Monteverdi: Madrigals, Books III & IV

This new instalment of the Complete Madrigals cycle by Le Nuove Musiche presents the complete books 3 and 4.

The 3rd and 4th book of Madrigals form a transition from the declamatory Renaissance style to a more expressive way of handling the text, in which the musical expression of the emotional impact of the words has prime importance. For instance the lamento "O come e gran mortire", in its mournful and poignant drawing out of the lover's pain, will leave no listener untouched.

The vocal ensemble Le Nuove Musiche consists of the elite of Dutch Early Music vocalists, led by eminent conductor and scholar Krijn Koetsveld. Their first Monteverdi recording, the Books 5 & 6 (BC93799) received excellent reviews in the international press, among which a "5 star" in the French Diapason.

Liner notes by the conductor, complete song texts in the original language included in the booklet.