Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1595

Average_duration

:

2:49

'Crudelissima doglia' is a madrigal composed by Carlo Gesualdo, an Italian composer and nobleman, in the late 16th century. The piece is part of his sixth book of madrigals, published in 1611, and is numbered W. 3/51 in the catalog of his works. The premiere of 'Crudelissima doglia' is not recorded, but it is likely that it was performed in the court of Gesualdo's patron, the Duke of Venosa. The piece is written for five voices, with a soprano, two altos, a tenor, and a bass, and is characterized by Gesualdo's distinctive chromatic harmonies and intense emotional expression. The madrigal is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the pain and suffering caused by love. The first movement begins with a mournful lament from the soprano, who sings of the "cruel pain" that has consumed her heart. The other voices join in, weaving a complex web of dissonant harmonies that reflect the intensity of the emotion. The second movement is more subdued, with the altos and tenor singing a gentle melody that contrasts with the harshness of the first movement. The text speaks of the "sweet pain" of love, suggesting that even in its most painful moments, love can bring a kind of pleasure. The final movement returns to the intensity of the first, with the soprano once again leading the way. The text speaks of the "cruel death" that love can bring, and the music reflects this with its dissonant harmonies and dramatic shifts in dynamics. Overall, 'Crudelissima doglia' is a powerful example of Gesualdo's unique style, which combines Renaissance polyphony with a highly expressive chromaticism. The piece is a testament to the composer's ability to convey complex emotions through music, and remains a popular work in the madrigal repertoire to this day.

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