Composer

:

Claudio Monteverdi

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

ca. 1590

Average_duration

:

2:56

"Intorno a due vermiglie e vaghe labbra" is a madrigal composed by Claudio Monteverdi, which is part of his second book of madrigals, published in 1590. The piece is set for five voices and is based on a text by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso. The premiere of the piece is not known, but it was likely performed in the courts of Mantua or Venice, where Monteverdi worked during his career. The madrigal is divided into two sections, with the first section featuring a lively and rhythmic melody, while the second section is more contemplative and introspective. The piece is characterized by Monteverdi's use of word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text. For example, the opening line "Intorno a due vermiglie e vaghe labbra" (Around two rosy and lovely lips) is set to a melody that rises and falls, mimicking the movement of lips. The use of chromaticism and dissonance also adds to the emotional intensity of the piece. Overall, "Intorno a due vermiglie e vaghe labbra" is a prime example of Monteverdi's innovative approach to madrigal composition, which helped to pave the way for the development of opera in the 17th century.

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