Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1603

Average_duration

:

3:16

Carlo Gesualdo's 'Tribularer si nescirem W. 8/51' is a sacred motet composed in the late 16th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between 1594 and 1596. The piece was premiered in Gesualdo's private chapel in his castle in Gesualdo, Italy. The motet is written for five voices, with two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. It is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements in triple meter and the second movement in duple meter. The text is taken from the Book of Job and is a lamentation of the suffering of the righteous. The first movement begins with a mournful melody in the alto voice, which is then taken up by the other voices. The music is characterized by dissonant harmonies and unexpected chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and unease. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with a dance-like quality. The third movement returns to the mournful character of the first, with a descending chromatic melody that emphasizes the text's emphasis on suffering. Overall, 'Tribularer si nescirem' is a prime example of Gesualdo's unique style, which is characterized by its intense emotional expression and daring harmonic experimentation. The piece is a testament to Gesualdo's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and deeply affecting.

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