Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1611

Average_duration

:

5:43

In monte oliveti, W. 7/9 is a sacred vocal composition composed by Carlo Gesualdo, an Italian composer and nobleman of the late Renaissance period. The piece is a setting of the Latin text of the Gospel of Matthew, specifically the passage describing Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest and crucifixion. The composition is believed to have been written in the early 17th century, during Gesualdo's later years. It is part of a larger collection of sacred vocal music known as the Responsoria et alia ad Officium Hebdomadae Sanctae spectantia, which includes settings of the Tenebrae Responsories for Holy Week. In monte oliveti is a single-movement work, with a duration of approximately five minutes. The piece is scored for five voices (SSATB) and is characterized by Gesualdo's distinctive harmonic language, which features chromaticism and frequent use of dissonance. The text is set in a highly expressive manner, with the music reflecting the emotional intensity of Jesus' prayer and the impending events of his crucifixion. The piece begins with a somber, mournful introduction, with the lower voices setting a dark and foreboding mood. The upper voices then enter with a plaintive melody, which is repeated and developed throughout the piece. The harmonies are often dissonant and unresolved, creating a sense of tension and unease. The piece builds to a climax with the words "Pater, si possibile est, transeat a me calix iste" ("Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me"), with the voices reaching a powerful and emotional peak before subsiding into a quiet and reflective conclusion. Overall, In monte oliveti is a powerful and deeply expressive work, showcasing Gesualdo's unique and innovative approach to sacred vocal music. Its use of chromaticism and dissonance, combined with its intense emotional impact, make it a standout piece in the composer's oeuvre and a significant contribution to the repertoire of Renaissance sacred music.

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