La Compagnia del Madrigale - Carlo Gesualdo - Secondo Libro di Madrigali (1594) on CD

Description

The 'Second Book of Madrigals' of Carlo Gesualdo provides the focal point for 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 muchpraised sensitivity to the text, balance of ensemble and dynamic control.