Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1641

Publication Date

:

1641

Average_duration

:

8:34

Claudio Monteverdi's 'Pianto della Madonna (from Selva morale e spirituale), SV 288' is a sacred vocal work that was composed in the early 17th century. The piece was first performed in Venice in 1641 and is considered to be one of Monteverdi's most significant works. The 'Pianto della Madonna' is a lamentation that tells the story of the Virgin Mary mourning the death of her son, Jesus Christ. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by its own unique musical style and emotional intensity. The first movement, 'Part I: Lamento della Madonna', is a slow and mournful aria that features a solo soprano accompanied by a small ensemble of instruments. The music is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which creates a sense of tension and sorrow. The second movement, 'Part II: Dialogo della Madonna e dell'Angelo', is a duet between the Virgin Mary and an angel. The music is more upbeat and hopeful than the first movement, reflecting the angel's attempts to comfort the grieving mother. The duet is characterized by its use of imitative polyphony, in which the two voices echo and imitate each other. The final movement, 'Part III: Lamento della Madonna', returns to the mournful tone of the first movement. The music is characterized by its use of descending chromatic lines, which create a sense of despair and hopelessness. The piece ends with a final, anguished cry from the Virgin Mary. Overall, the 'Pianto della Madonna' is a powerful and emotionally charged work that showcases Monteverdi's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which were innovative techniques for the time. The 'Pianto della Madonna' remains a popular and frequently performed work in the classical music repertoire.

More....