Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

ca. 1624

Average_duration

:

4:24

Claudio Monteverdi's 'Ohimè ch'io cado, ohimè ch'inciampo, SV 316' is a vocal work that was composed in the early 17th century. The piece is a lament, written in the Italian language, and is scored for a solo voice accompanied by a basso continuo. It is believed to have been composed during Monteverdi's time as the maestro di cappella at the Basilica di San Marco in Venice. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by a different emotional state. The first movement is marked "Lento" and is a mournful lament in which the speaker expresses their despair at their own weakness and inability to resist temptation. The second movement is marked "Allegro" and is a more upbeat and hopeful section in which the speaker expresses their desire to be saved from their own weakness. The final movement is marked "Adagio" and is a return to the mournful tone of the first movement, in which the speaker expresses their fear of falling into sin once again. The vocal line of 'Ohimè ch'io cado, ohimè ch'inciampo' is characterized by Monteverdi's use of dissonance and chromaticism, which serve to heighten the emotional intensity of the piece. The basso continuo provides a simple harmonic foundation for the vocal line, but also includes moments of dissonance and chromaticism that mirror the vocal line. The piece premiered during Monteverdi's lifetime, but the exact date and location of the premiere are unknown. However, it is likely that the piece was performed in a church or other religious setting, given its subject matter and the fact that Monteverdi was primarily known as a composer of sacred music. Overall, 'Ohimè ch'io cado, ohimè ch'inciampo' is a powerful example of Monteverdi's ability to convey complex emotions through music. Its use of dissonance and chromaticism, combined with the expressive vocal line, make it a moving and memorable work that continues to be performed and studied today.

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