The Third Book of Madrigals was influenced by Gesualdo's stay in Ferrara between 1594 and 1595, a period following a tragic 'honour killing' in Naples.
Composer Biography
Carlo Gesualdo, Prince of Venosa, divided his musical output into three distinct phases, similar to Beethoven.
Composer Biography
Gesualdo, a difficult and haughty man, was primarily interested in discussing hunting and music, as noted by Count Alfonso Fontanelli, a diplomat and amateur composer.
Performer Biography
La Compagnia del Madrigale is considered a pre-eminent madrigal ensemble, with its founding members having performed together for over two decades.
Compositional Technique
Gesualdo's Third Book features unusual harmonic sequences and a melancholic character, with a prominent theme of 'bitter life' desiring 'sweet death'.
Historical Context
Gesualdo, a high-ranking aristocrat, formally distanced himself from publishing his compositions due to the Aristotelian tradition that viewed music as unsuitable for a nobleman's profession.
Composition History
Gesualdo's Third Book of Madrigals, the focus of this recording, marks a definitive shift towards his unique musical style characterized by expressive anxiety and enigmatic beauty.
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