The most beautiful madrigals by Monteverdi

Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) wrote books full of madrigals. Starting with pieces in the Renaissance style. As was proper and he was taught it by his teacher Marcantonio Ingegneri. Italian texts were plentiful. Petrarch had already set an example in the 14th century with his beautiful courtly poetry, mostly written in sonnet form. In his poems, we find the common thread: true but often so unattainable love.

Many followed his example and Monteverdi had volumes to choose from. He did so with great care. If we follow the madrigal books, we see that he increasingly let the text dominate and used the music to colour the words ever deeper and more personally.

In this programme, we have selected from all the madrigal books. A hell of a job to have to choose from hours and hours of the most beautiful music.

During the concert, we will tell stories, explain the texts, try to fathom the music with all listeners.

Our aim is to perform the madrigals at their very best.