Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

1596

Average_duration

:

3:30

Luci serene e chiare, W. 4/13 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 was first published in Gesualdo's fifth book of madrigals in 1611. The madrigal is written for five voices, with two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. It is divided into two sections, with the first section being in a homophonic style and the second section being more contrapuntal. The piece is characterized by Gesualdo's use of chromaticism, which was a hallmark of his style. The chromaticism is used to create a sense of tension and dissonance, which is then resolved in a satisfying way. The text of the madrigal is a love poem by the Italian poet Giovanni Battista Guarini. The poem describes the beauty of the night and the stars, and the longing of the speaker for his beloved. Gesualdo's setting of the text is highly expressive, with the music reflecting the emotions of the poem. The use of chromaticism adds to the emotional intensity of the piece, creating a sense of yearning and desire. The premiere of Luci serene e chiare is not known, but it is likely that it was performed in Gesualdo's court in Naples. The piece was part of Gesualdo's fifth book of madrigals, which was dedicated to his wife, Leonora d'Este. The book was published in 1611, several years after Gesualdo's death. Overall, Luci serene e chiare is a beautiful example of Gesualdo's unique style. The use of chromaticism and expressive text setting create a powerful emotional impact, making it a beloved piece of Renaissance music.

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