1.1 Madrigal, Book V: T'amo Mia Vita, la Mia Cara Vita
1.2 Madrigal, Book VI: Or, Che in Gioia Credea - O Sempre Crudo Amore
1.3 Madrigal, Book VI: Chiaro Risplender Suole
1.4 Gagliarda a 4: Gagliarda Seconda
1.5 Psalms of Compline: In Te, Domine, Speravi
1.6 Cantiona Sacra a Ciinque Voce: O Vos Omnes
1.7 Canzonetta: Come Vivi Cor Mio
1.8 Gagliarda A4: Gailliarda Ottava
1.9 Madrigal, Book V: Felicissimo Sonno
1.10 Madrigal, Book VI: Io Pur Respiro in Cosran Dolore
1.11 Madrigal, Book VI: Gia Piansi Nel Dolore
1.12 Madrigal, Book VI: Resta Di Darmi Noia
1.13 Madrigal, Book V: Deh, Coprite Il Bel Seno
1.14 Sonata from Gagliarda A4: Sinfonia a Quattro Antica
1.15 Double Madrigal, Book IV: Cor Mio, Deh, Non Piangete-Dunque Nonm'offendete ; Dunque Non M'offendete
1.16 Gagliarda A4: Gailliarda Nona
1.17 Madrigal, Book V: Merce Grido Piangendo
1.18 Canzonetta: All'ombra Degl'allori
1.19 Gailliarda a 4: Gailliarda Quarta
1.20 Madrigal, Book III: Languisce Al Fin Chi Da la Vita Parte
1.21 Madrigal, Book III: Non T'amo, O Voce Ingrata
1.22 Cantiona Sacra a Cinque Voce: O Crux Benedicta
1.23 Double Madrigal, Madrigal, Book IV: Volgi, Mia Luce
1.24 Madrigal, Book IV: O Dolorosa Gioia
1.25 Ardo Per Te, Mio Bene
1.26 Madrigal, Book VI: Quando Ridente E Bella
1.27 Madrigal, Book IV: Dolcissima Mia Vita
1.28 Madrigal, Book IV: Che Fai Meco, Mio Cor
1.29 Madrigal, Book IV: Questa Crudele E Pia
1.30 Madrigal, Book VI: Ardita Zanzaretta
Description:
Labelcode SNY60313C.2
"Prince Of Madrigalists: Madrigals Galliards &" on CD is a carefully curated journey into the expressive world of Renaissance vocal music, focusing on the refined forms of the madrigal and the lively elegance of the galliard. This mixed recording brings together works from different composers and stylistic shades rather than spotlighting a single artist, allowing listeners to experience a broad panorama of emotional and musical colors: from intimate love poetry to dramatic chromatic harmonies and courtly dance rhythms. The interpretative approach highlights clarity of text, transparent vocal lines, and nuanced dynamics, so that the intricate counterpoint and subtle dissonances characteristic of the period can unfold with maximum impact. Rather than a "best of" compilation, this CD feels like a thoughtfully constructed concert program, ideal both for curious newcomers to early music and for seasoned listeners who appreciate historically informed performance and stylistic variety. As with many high-quality early-music releases, the selection balances more contemplative pieces with brighter, rhythmically incisive numbers, creating a listening arc that invites repeated, attentive hearings.
Because this is a mixed early-music recording rather than a vehicle for a single star or ensemble, the emphasis lies on the stylistic richness of the repertoire itself: Italian madrigals of striking emotional intensity, graceful galliards with their dance-like vitality, and contrasting pieces that explore themes of longing, devotion, and courtly refinement. The program illustrates how Renaissance composers could compress entire emotional dramas into just a few minutes of music through text painting, adventurous harmonies, and intricate ensemble writing. The vocal writing offers both intimate, chamber-like passages and fuller textures, while instrumental support--where present--adds color without overshadowing the voices. This makes the disc especially suitable for focused listening with the libretto at hand, but it also works as an atmospheric backdrop for reading, study, or evening relaxation. The subtle diversity of tempi, moods, and tonal shades ensures that the album remains engaging from the first track to the last.
The CD is released by Sony Masterworks, a label known for its long tradition in classical music, crossover, and high-quality catalog productions. Sony Masterworks has built a reputation for meticulous production values, carefully mastered sound, and artistically curated programs that aim to make both core repertoire and more specialized projects accessible to a wider audience. Their catalog spans from symphonic classics to intimate chamber music and historically informed performances, often combining artistic integrity with modern recording standards. With this release, Sony Masterworks continues its mission of preserving and presenting important musical traditions in a contemporary, listener-friendly format, offering a sonically refined window into the world of Renaissance vocal art.
