Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1611

Average_duration

:

2:44

'Volan quasi farfalle' 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 Gesualdo's sixth book of madrigals. The piece premiered in Naples, Italy, where Gesualdo was living at the time. The madrigal is written for five voices, with the text taken from a poem by Giovanni Battista Guarini. The piece is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being in triple meter and the second movement in duple meter. The first movement features a lively and playful melody, with the voices imitating the fluttering of butterflies. The second movement is more subdued, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The third movement returns to the lively and playful melody of the first movement, with the voices once again imitating the fluttering of butterflies. One of the characteristics of Gesualdo's music is his use of chromaticism, which is particularly evident in 'Volan quasi farfalle'. The piece features frequent and unexpected shifts in harmony, with Gesualdo using chromaticism to create a sense of tension and dissonance. This use of chromaticism was highly unusual for the time, and Gesualdo's music was often criticized for being too complex and difficult to perform. Despite the challenges posed by Gesualdo's music, 'Volan quasi farfalle' remains a popular and influential piece in the madrigal repertoire. Its playful melody and use of chromaticism continue to captivate audiences and inspire composers to this day.

More....