Composer

:

Morten Lauridsen

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

1984

Average_duration

:

2:39

'Ov è, Lass, Il Bel Viso?' is a madrigal composed by Morten Lauridsen in 1986. It was premiered in the same year by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, conducted by Paul Salamunovich. The piece is the first of a set of six madrigals, collectively known as 'Madrigali: Six "Fire Songs" on Italian Renaissance Poems'. The piece is written for a mixed choir of four voices (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and is set to a poem by the Italian Renaissance poet Francesco Petrarca. The text speaks of the beauty of a woman's face and the longing of the speaker to be near her. The piece is characterized by its lush harmonies and intricate polyphony. The opening chords of the piece are rich and full, setting the tone for the rest of the work. The voices weave in and out of each other, creating a tapestry of sound that is both complex and beautiful. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with the voices singing in a homophonic texture. The second movement is faster and more rhythmic, with the voices singing in a more contrapuntal style. The final movement returns to the slower tempo of the first, with the voices singing in a more complex polyphonic texture. Overall, 'Ov è, Lass, Il Bel Viso?' is a stunning example of Lauridsen's mastery of choral composition. The piece is both technically challenging and emotionally moving, showcasing the beauty and power of the human voice.

More....