Carlo Gesualdo

Three Madrigals of 1597

Carlo Gesualdo; the ill-fated if brilliant composer of the 16th-17th centuries was all but lost to music history until his rediscovery in the 20th century. His writings; described as intensely expressive; were centuries ahead of their time; and were perhaps informed by the tragic events of his life. Of particular appeal are the many madrigals written between 1594 and 1613; and Freshner has chosen several examples in his arrangements for brass quintet. From the book of 1597; he adapts I. Luci serene e chiare; II. Ecco moriro dunque; Hai; gia mi discoloro; and III. Io tacero; Invav dunque; o crudele. The complex harmonies and spirituality are unlike anything else written 400 years ago. For advanced performers.