Les Arts Florissants
William Christie – Conductor
Love, desire and death – these are the three themes that pervade the musical poetry of Don Carlo Gesualdo, Prince of Venosa, which has become a byword for tortured emotion. These madrigals are the clearest depiction in his output of the torments of the soul, offering a faithful musical image of the ‘sweet poison’ which eats into lovers’ hearts . . .
1Ahi, disperata vita 1’21
2Sospirava il mio core 1’35
3O malnati messaggi 2’05
4Non t’amo, o voce ingrata 3’29
5Canzon francese del Principe 6’00
6Luci serene e chiare 3’14
7Sparge la morte al mio Signor 4’12
8Arde il mio cor 2’09
9Io tacerò – Invan dunque 4’12
10Occhi del mio cor vita 3’25
11Mercè grido piangendo 4’11
12Asciugate i begli occhi 3’05
13Correte, amanti 2’49
14Se la mia morte brami 3’01
15Io parto 2’52
16Ardita zanzaretta 3’06
17Ardo per te, mio bene 3’04