GESUALDO Madrigals Book 4 - Naxos 8.572137 [DMcC]: Classical Music Reviews

Delitiae Musicae has reached the fourth book in their recordings of Gesualdo’s complete Madrigals, and in many ways it is their best effort. I began listening to this all-male ensemble in 2002 when they released their first recording of Monteverdi Madrigals on Naxos. At that time the use of an all-male ensemble for these works was something of a novelty, but each succeeding release in the almost complete cycle has fully vindicated their performance decisions. Better yet, the level of technical and musical accomplishment has developed throughout that cycle, and the Gesualdo recordings have benefited enormously from that experience.

The singing on this album is simply phenomenal. Intonation is virtually flawless, and they offer just the right mix of homogenous and individual sound. The shaping of phrases, the ebb-and flow, as well as the constantly changing dynamics is effortless - this is a group who seem to be of one mind, an essential aspect of the best madrigal singing. Additionally, the chosen keys often add to the expressive potential: most of these texts convey darker emotions, and there is thrilling emotional immediacy when the baritone and bass move into their lowest registers.

These qualities are readily apparent in the performance of “Io tacero, ma nel silenzio mio” (I shall be silent, but in my silence - Track 3). The anonymous text is heart wrenching, as the poet says he will not speak aloud of his sorrow, yet knows that his suffering is clearly visible in how he looks and moves. In fact, even after he dies, his sorrow will be plain for all to see. These are powerful sentiments, vividly conveyed by Delitiae Musicae. Without crossing the line into cloying affectation, they consistently vary their timbre, dynamics, and tempo as they bring to life each sentiment, all the while singing with impeccable diction. Many of the phrases are followed by rests, which here aren’t merely moments of silence, but are impregnated with grief - we can feel the poet’s break-down, as he takes time to regain his composure. This is expressive singing of the highest order.

The text for Track 6, Questa crudele e pia (This cruel and pious woman) must have been particularly terrible for this composer. Gesualdo repeatedly sets the work “cruel” as if he is trying to come to terms with the idea that the woman he loves does not love him in the same way. She “feels pity, but does not love.” Like any lover who is experiencing pain, his emotions come out in a jumble: he “weeps,” yet his “ardent desire” returns, followed by disbelief, then angry, and a return to suffering. Once again, the singers fully inhabit each twist and turn on this torturous journey, often stressing the more dissonant aspects of the writing.

Perhaps the most unusual madrigal in the book is “Sparge la morte al mio Signor” (Death floods my Lord’s face - Track 12). Once again we have an anonymous text that describes the final moments of Christ’s death on the cross, performed here with great passion and beauty. Conductor Marco Longhini, in his exceptional liner notes, suggests the poetry’s description of atonement for an unjust death is something Gesualdo was struggling with after killing his wife and her lover. According to Longhini, despite the fact that Gesualdo had every right under Italian law to kill his adulterous wife, he was never able to find peace with his horrific act of violence. It is an interesting idea that might explain some of the more radically dissonant writing to be heard in Book 5.

While a majority of the texts are desperately sad, the final eight address happier situations and emotions, such as Mentre gira costei (As she turns - Track 15). Here the poet describes new found love, the man falling in love at first sight. The poetry describes her gaze as fierce and gentle, his love as “a timid little bird” in flight. All of this imagery is vividly portrayed in Gesualdo’s music, which again receives a wonderfully cogent and affecting performance.

The recording is excellent, the voices crystal clear, with the continuo instruments used selectively, which adds another layer of variety to these performances. The notes also include full texts, an absolute must when listening to any madrigal. These are the best performances yet in an already strong series of recordings - and there is no better way to get to know this wonderful music - I anxiously await their recording of Book 5!

David A. McConnell

see also review by Mark Sealey (June 2012 Recording of the Month)

Reviews of other releases in this series
Book 1
Book 2
Book 3

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