Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

ca. 1619

Average_duration

:

4:18

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Claudio Monteverdi's 'Ohimè, dov'è il mio ben?' is a vocal piece from Book 7 of his collection of madrigals, published in 1619. The piece is a lament, expressing the pain and longing of a lover who has been separated from their beloved. It is written for five voices, with a soprano soloist taking the lead role. The piece is in three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the soloist singing the opening line "Ohimè, dov'è il mio ben?" ("Alas, where is my beloved?"). The other voices provide a rich harmonic backdrop, with dissonances and suspensions adding to the sense of longing and despair. The second movement is faster and more rhythmic, with the soloist singing of the joys and pleasures that they once shared with their beloved. The other voices provide a lively accompaniment, with syncopated rhythms and playful melodic lines. The final movement returns to the slow, mournful character of the opening, with the soloist singing of the pain and sorrow that they now feel in the absence of their beloved. The other voices provide a rich and complex harmonic texture, with dissonances and suspensions adding to the sense of emotional intensity. Overall, 'Ohimè, dov'è il mio ben?' is a powerful and moving piece of music, showcasing Monteverdi's skill in writing for voices and his ability to convey complex emotions through music. Its premiere date is unknown, but it remains a popular and frequently performed work in the repertoire of early music.

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