Monteverdi / Baschenis Ensemble Scherzi Musicali CD

The "Scherzi Musicali a tre voci di Claudio Monteverde, raccolti da Giulio Cesare Monteverde suo fratello, et nuovamente posti in luce" ("collected by his brother Giulio Cesare Monteverde and revealed again"), were published in 1607 by Ricciardo Amadino in Venice, and dedicated to "Serenissimo S. Don Francesco Gonzaga Prencipe di Mantova, et si Monferrato." These are 18 compositions selected and edited by Giulio Cesare Monteverdi: 17 "Scherzi," strophic songs written by Claudio, except for the last two by Giulio Cesare himself, and a wider concluding ballet, "De la bellezza le dovute lodi." Even with light and schematic compositions such as "Scherzi," the rules of the "Seconda Prattica" do not fail: new polyphonic technique, innovative use of dissonance, original concertation and, above all, great importance to the lyrics, with a strong dramatic power, before harmony and rhythm. The set is a masterpiece of the history of music of that time, in the mark of eternal quarrel between ancient and modern. The EsaEnsemble, a female vocal group directed by Sergio Chierici and accompanied by the instrumental ensemble Baschenis, effectively deals with this important work by the great genius of the Renaissance, in a colorful variety of vocal and instrumental organics supported by a wide use of period instruments.

1. I Bei Legami 2. Amarilli Onde M'assale 3. Fugge Il Verno Dei Dolori 4. Quando L'alba in Oriente 5. Non Cos? Tosto Io Miro 6. Damigella Tutta Bella 7. La Pastorella Mia Spietata E Rigida 8. O Rosetta Che Rosetta 9. Amorosa Pupilletta Che Saetta 10. Vaghi Rai Di Cigli Ardenti 11. La V?oletta 12. Giovinetta Ritrosetta 13. Dolci Miei Sospiri 14. Clori Amorosa 15. Lidia Spina Del Mio Core 16. Deh Chi Tace Il Bel Pensiero 17. Dispiegate Guance Amate 18. De la Bellezza Le Dovute Lodi