The Second Book of Madrigals of Carlo Gesualdo provides the focal point for the latest in La Compagnia del Madrigale's stunning reappraisals of the glories of the Italian madrigal on Glossa. Probably written by Gesualdo between the time of the double honour killing of his first wife and her lover and his subsequent remarriage, the second book presents a sophisticated compositional mastery quite in keeping with the later books, albeit offering a calmer and gentler approach compared to the more tortured and twisted musical and psychological turns found in the last books. Notwithstanding, much is required from the singers on the Secondo libro di madrigali a cinque voci and La Compagnia del Madrigale bring their much- praised sensitivity to the text, balance of ensemble and dynamic control. In the booklet, both Marco Bizzarini and Giuseppe Maletto investigate the state of mind of this fascinating composer, over four centuries since his death. The substantial second part to this recording offers a set of contrasts with Book 2: nine tracks devoted to madrigalists inspired by Gesualdo's style, from contemporaries in Nenna, Macque and Palazzotto Tagliavia to the later Sigismondo d'India. A veritable bonus!

Tracklist:

Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 3, Se Per Lieve Ferita
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 14, Non Mi Toglia Il Ben Mio
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 5, Se Così Dolce È Il Duolo
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 6, Se Taccio, Il Duol S’avanza
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 1, Caro Amoroso Neo
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 10, Candida Man Qual Neve
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 9, Non È Questa La Mano
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 11, Dalle Odorate Spoglie
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 4, In Più Leggiadro Velo
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 13, All'apparir Di Quelle Luci Ardenti
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 2, Hai Rotto E Sciolto
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 7, O Com'e Gran Martire
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 8, Sento Che Nel Partire
Madrigals, Libro 2: No. 12, Non Mai Non Cangero
Madrigali À 5voci, Libro 5 (Excerpts): No. 29, Mercè, Grido Piangendo
Madrigali À 5voci, Libro 6 (Excerpts): No. 13, Tu Ti Lagni Al Mio Pianto
Madrigali À 5voci, Libro 5 (Excerpts): No. 32, Oimè Mi Scacci
Madrigali À 5voci, Libro 7 (Excerpts): No. 12, Sospir, Baci E Parole
Madrigali À 5voci, Libro 6 (Excerpts): No. 15, La Mia Doglia S’avanza
Madrigali À 5voci, Libro 6: No. 13, Ecco Ò Dolce, Ò Gradita
Madrigali À 5voci, Libro 2: No. 1, Ancidetemi Cruda
Madrigali À 5voci, Libro 7: No. 6, Ecco Morirò Dunque
Madrigals, Libro 5: No. 5, O Dolorosa Gioia

UPC: 8424562228092
Label: Glossa
Release Date: 10.18.19
Format: CD

Gesualdo / Compagnia Del Madrigale - Secondo Libro Di Madrigali (CD)