Monteverdi — Settimo Libro de' Madrigali. Concerto Italiano

Monteverdi's madrigals are a cornerstone in music history. They mark the genre's peak while also foreshadowing opera's birth. His work, across nine books, traces a poetic journey to this dramatic form's origins. The Gran Teatre del Liceu continues this cycle. The Settimo Libro de' Madrigali (1619) signifies a decisive break. The title itself, Concerto, suggests a fusion of heterogeneous elements. Monteverdi moves beyond the fixed five-voice vocal setting. He opts for varied combinations, primarily duets, alongside other genres like arias, canzonette, and pieces in stile rappresentativo. Instrumentation is enriched, organized into two distinct tessitura groups, with basso continuo. This formal evolution reflects a musical language in profound transformation. The individual voice gains prominence, intensifying the music-text relationship to a dramatic dimension. Rinaldo Alessandrini's interpretation with Concerto Italiano unfolds this vision with clarity. A refined, expressive performance deeply faithful to the Monteverdian spirit. The Settimo Libro resonates, placing the listener at the heart of the emotional experience.