Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

ca. 1605

Average_duration

:

3:25

"Era l'anima mia già presso a l'ultim' hore" is a madrigal composed by Claudio Monteverdi, which is part of his fifth book of madrigals. The piece was composed in 1605 and premiered in Venice, Italy. The madrigal is divided into two movements, with the first movement being in a slow tempo and the second movement being in a faster tempo. The first movement is in the key of G minor and is marked by a mournful and melancholic character. The second movement is in the key of G major and is marked by a more lively and energetic character. The text of the madrigal is taken from a sonnet by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso. The poem describes the moment of death and the soul's journey to the afterlife. Monteverdi's setting of the text is highly expressive and dramatic, with the music reflecting the emotions and imagery of the poem. The first movement begins with a descending chromatic line in the bass, which sets the mournful tone of the piece. The vocal lines are characterized by long, expressive phrases and frequent use of dissonance. The second movement begins with a lively and rhythmic instrumental introduction, which is followed by a more playful vocal melody. The vocal lines are characterized by frequent use of imitation and a lively, dance-like rhythm. Overall, "Era l'anima mia già presso a l'ultim' hore" is a highly expressive and dramatic madrigal that showcases Monteverdi's skill in setting text to music. The piece is marked by a mournful and melancholic character in the first movement, which gives way to a more lively and energetic character in the second movement. The music reflects the emotions and imagery of the poem, creating a powerful and moving musical experience.

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