Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

1596

Average_duration

:

3:27

'Ecco, morirò dunque' is a madrigal composed by Carlo Gesualdo, an Italian composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century and is part of his sixth book of madrigals, published in 1611. The premiere of the piece is unknown, but it is believed to have been performed during Gesualdo's lifetime. The madrigal is written for five voices and is divided into two sections. The first section is in a slow and mournful tempo, while the second section is faster and more energetic. The piece is characterized by Gesualdo's use of chromaticism, which was a departure from the traditional tonal system of the time. The chromaticism creates a sense of tension and dissonance, which is a hallmark of Gesualdo's style. The text of the madrigal is a lamentation on the inevitability of death. The opening line, "Ecco, morirò dunque," translates to "Behold, I shall die then." The text goes on to describe the speaker's fear and despair at the thought of death. The second section of the madrigal is more hopeful, with the speaker expressing a desire to be reunited with their loved ones in the afterlife. Overall, 'Ecco, morirò dunque' is a powerful and emotional piece of music that showcases Gesualdo's unique style and approach to composition. The use of chromaticism and dissonance creates a sense of tension and unease that perfectly captures the theme of the piece. The madrigal remains a popular and influential work in the repertoire of Renaissance music.

More....