Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

ca. 1590

Average_duration

:

2:19

"La bocca onde l'asprissime parole solean uscir" is a madrigal composed by Claudio Monteverdi, which is part of his second book of madrigals. The piece was composed in 1590 and premiered in Venice, Italy. The madrigal is written for five voices and is considered one of Monteverdi's most expressive and dramatic works. The piece is divided into two sections, with the first section being slow and mournful, while the second section is faster and more energetic. The text of the madrigal is taken from Petrarch's "Canzoniere" and describes the pain and suffering caused by unrequited love. The first section of the madrigal begins with a slow and mournful melody sung by the alto voice. The other voices gradually join in, creating a rich and complex texture. The text is set to a chromatic melody, which adds to the sense of sadness and despair. The first section ends with a long, sustained note sung by the soprano voice, which creates a sense of longing and yearning. The second section of the madrigal begins with a faster and more energetic melody sung by the tenor voice. The other voices join in, creating a lively and rhythmic texture. The text is set to a more diatonic melody, which adds to the sense of energy and excitement. The second section ends with a series of rapid, ascending scales sung by all the voices, which creates a sense of triumph and resolution. Overall, "La bocca onde l'asprissime parole solean uscir" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Monteverdi's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its expressive melodies, complex textures, and dramatic contrasts, making it a masterpiece of the madrigal genre.

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