Monteverdi, C.: Madrigals, Book 7, "Concerto" (Il Settimo Libro De Madrigali, 1619)

Featuring

Marco Longhini
Delitiæ Musicæ
Claudio Monteverdi

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Recording & Production

This recording uses a new complete critical edition of Monteverdi's Seventh Book of Madrigals, prepared by Marco Longhini, which corrects errors found in previous editions.

Composition History

Claudio Monteverdi's Seventh Book of Madrigals, titled 'Concerto', was published in Venice in 1619, five years after his Sixth Book.

Interpretation

The ensemble Delitiæ Musicæ and director Marco Longhini follow Monteverdi's original arrangement of pieces in the Seventh Book, believing it is fundamental to understanding his 'carefully calculated and finely balanced' artistic vision.

Composer's Artistic Vision

The title 'Concerto' for Monteverdi's Seventh Book reflects its heterogeneous nature, pointing to contrasts and harmony between parts, voices, and instruments.

Compositional Technique

Monteverdi's Seventh Book of Madrigals represents a clear break from his earlier works, featuring no five-voice madrigals but rather pieces for one to four voices, often with basso continuo and violins, and experimental forms.

Historical Context

Monteverdi moved from Mantua to Venice in 1614, embracing Venice's innovative culture and political autonomy as a Republic, which offered a new compositional direction away from court life.

Composer Biography

Monteverdi dedicated his Seventh Book of Madrigals to Catherine de' Medici, daughter of the rulers of Florence, to maintain good relations with Ferdinando Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua.