Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1595

Average_duration

:

3:18

'Ahi, dispietata e cruda' 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 1594, and is part of his sixth book of madrigals. The piece premiered in Italy during the late Renaissance period, and it is still performed today by vocal ensembles and choirs. The madrigal is composed of five movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement is marked by its slow and mournful tempo, with the vocal parts weaving in and out of each other in a complex and intricate manner. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with the vocal parts becoming more animated and energetic. The third movement is marked by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, with the vocal parts clashing against each other in a jarring and unsettling way. The fourth movement is more subdued, with the vocal parts becoming more introspective and contemplative. The final movement is marked by its use of repetition and variation, with the vocal parts repeating and building upon each other in a cyclical and hypnotic way. The piece is characterized by its use of complex harmonies, dissonance, and chromaticism, which were all hallmarks of Gesualdo's unique compositional style. The piece also features a wide range of vocal techniques, including intricate counterpoint, word painting, and expressive melodic lines. The text of the madrigal is a lamentation on the pain and suffering caused by love, and Gesualdo's music perfectly captures the emotional intensity and complexity of the text. Overall, 'Ahi, dispietata e cruda' is a masterpiece of Renaissance vocal music, showcasing Gesualdo's unique compositional style and his ability to capture the emotional depth and complexity of the human experience.

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