Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1594

Average_duration

:

2:44

'Non mirar non mirare' is a madrigal composed by Carlo Gesualdo, an Italian composer and nobleman of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1590, and is part of Gesualdo's first book of madrigals, published in 1594. The piece is written for five voices, with two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. It is a through-composed piece, meaning that the music is continuously evolving and changing throughout the piece, rather than being divided into distinct sections or movements. The text of the madrigal is in Italian and is a love poem that expresses the pain and torment of unrequited love. The title, 'Non mirar non mirare', translates to 'Do not look, do not gaze', and the text speaks of the agony of seeing the beloved with another and the desire to turn away from the sight. The music of 'Non mirar non mirare' is characterized by Gesualdo's unique harmonic language, which is often described as chromatic and highly expressive. Gesualdo was known for his use of dissonance and unconventional chord progressions, which give his music a highly emotional and dramatic quality. In 'Non mirar non mirare', Gesualdo uses these techniques to great effect, creating a sense of tension and unease that reflects the emotional turmoil of the text. The piece begins with a dissonant chord that sets the tone for the rest of the piece, and the music continues to shift and change in unexpected ways throughout. Overall, 'Non mirar non mirare' is a powerful and emotionally charged piece of music that showcases Gesualdo's unique style and innovative approach to harmony. It remains a popular and influential work in the madrigal repertoire to this day.

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