Composer

:

Luca Marenzio

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Publication Date

:

1594

Average_duration

:

4:33

'Udite, lagrimosi spirti d'Averno, udite' is a madrigal composed by Luca Marenzio, an Italian composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece is part of his sixth book of madrigals, which was published in 1595. The premiere of the piece is not known, but it was likely performed in the courts of Italy during the late 16th century. The madrigal is written for five voices, and is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance. The text of the piece is taken from Dante's Inferno, and describes the cries of the souls in the underworld. The opening line, "Udite, lagrimosi spirti d'Averno, udite" (Listen, weeping spirits of Avernus, listen), sets the tone for the piece, which is mournful and haunting. The piece is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is slow and mournful, with the voices singing in close harmony. The second section is more agitated, with the voices rising and falling in a series of dissonant chords. The final section returns to the mournful character of the opening, with the voices singing in a descending sequence that ends on a somber note. Overall, 'Udite, lagrimosi spirti d'Averno, udite' is a powerful example of Marenzio's skill as a composer of madrigals. Its use of chromaticism and dissonance creates a sense of unease and tension, while the mournful character of the piece reflects the text's description of the underworld.

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