Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

1596

Average_duration

:

3:35

'Or che in gioia credea, W. 4/33' is a madrigal composed by Carlo Gesualdo, an Italian nobleman and composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1594, and was premiered in Gesualdo's own palace in Naples. The madrigal is written for five voices, with two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. It is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements in triple meter and the second movement in duple meter. The text of the madrigal is taken from the poet Torquato Tasso's epic poem "Gerusalemme Liberata" (Jerusalem Delivered), which tells the story of the First Crusade. The first movement begins with a joyful and lively melody, with the two sopranos singing in unison. The alto and tenor voices then enter, creating a rich and complex texture. The lyrics describe the joy and happiness of the protagonist, who believes that he has found true love. The music reflects this sentiment, with bright harmonies and a lively tempo. The second movement is more introspective, with the music slowing down and becoming more contemplative. The lyrics describe the protagonist's doubts and fears about his love, and the music reflects this with dissonant harmonies and a more somber tone. The third movement returns to the joyful mood of the first, with the music becoming more complex and intricate. The lyrics describe the protagonist's renewed faith in his love, and the music reflects this with a triumphant and celebratory melody. Overall, 'Or che in gioia credea, W. 4/33' is a prime example of Gesualdo's unique style, which combines complex harmonies and dissonances with emotional and expressive melodies. The piece showcases Gesualdo's mastery of the madrigal form, and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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