Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

ca. 1603

Average_duration

:

3:01

Claudio Monteverdi's "Ohimè, se tanto amate di sentir dir ohimè" is a madrigal from Book 4 of his collection of madrigals, published in 1603. The piece is set for five voices and is one of Monteverdi's most famous and beloved works. The premiere of "Ohimè, se tanto amate di sentir dir ohimè" is not known, but it is likely that it was performed in the courts of Mantua or Venice, where Monteverdi worked during his career. The piece is in three movements, with the first and third being in a fast tempo and the second being slower and more expressive. The first movement begins with a lively and rhythmic instrumental introduction, which sets the stage for the entrance of the voices. The text of the piece is a lament from a woman who is suffering from unrequited love. The music reflects the emotional intensity of the text, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in intricate counterpoint. The second movement is a more introspective and melancholy section, with the voices singing in a more homophonic style. The text of this section is particularly poignant, with the woman expressing her despair and longing for her lover. The final movement returns to the lively and rhythmic style of the first, with the voices singing in a more declamatory style. The text of this section is a plea to the woman's lover to have mercy on her and to return her love. Overall, "Ohimè, se tanto amate di sentir dir ohimè" is a masterful example of Monteverdi's skill in setting text to music. The piece is full of emotional depth and complexity, and it remains a beloved work in the repertoire of early music.

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