Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Average_duration

:

2:35

'Invan dunque, o crudele' is a madrigal composed by Carlo Gesualdo, an Italian composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century and was first performed in Naples, Italy. It is a part of Gesualdo's sixth book of madrigals, which was published in 1611. The madrigal is written for five voices and is divided into two sections. The first section is slow and mournful, while the second section is faster and more agitated. The piece is characterized by Gesualdo's use of chromaticism, which was a hallmark of his style. The chromaticism creates a sense of tension and dissonance, which is heightened by the use of unexpected harmonies and sudden shifts in tonality. The text of the madrigal is a lamentation of unrequited love. The speaker addresses his beloved, imploring her to return his love. He expresses his despair at her indifference and his frustration at his own inability to win her over. The text is full of vivid imagery and emotional intensity, which is reflected in Gesualdo's music. Overall, 'Invan dunque, o crudele' is a powerful example of Gesualdo's unique style. His use of chromaticism and dissonance was groundbreaking for his time and has influenced generations of composers since. The piece is a testament to Gesualdo's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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