Composer

:

Carlo Gesualdo

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1611

Average_duration

:

2:29

'Quando ridente e bella' is a madrigal composed by Carlo Gesualdo, an Italian composer and nobleman of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1594, and is part of his sixth book of madrigals, published in 1611. The piece is in five movements, with each movement featuring a different text. The first movement begins with a lively and joyful melody, reflecting the text's description of a beautiful and smiling woman. The second movement is slower and more contemplative, with the text describing the woman's eyes and their effect on the speaker. The third movement is more complex, with a polyphonic texture and a text that describes the woman's voice. The fourth movement is a brief interlude, featuring a single voice singing the word "amore" (love) repeatedly. The final movement returns to the joyful mood of the first, with a lively and energetic melody that reflects the text's description of the woman's laughter. Gesualdo's music is known for its chromaticism and dissonance, which was highly unusual for the time. 'Quando ridente e bella' is no exception, with Gesualdo using unexpected harmonies and dissonant chords to create a sense of tension and drama. The piece also features frequent changes in tempo and dynamics, adding to its emotional intensity. Overall, 'Quando ridente e bella' is a beautiful and complex piece of music that showcases Gesualdo's unique style and innovative approach to composition. Its intricate harmonies and emotional depth make it a masterpiece of the late Renaissance period.

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