Monteverdi - Lamento della Ninfa - Kirkby

Claudio Monteverdi Lamento della Ninfa, from “Madrigali guerrieri ed amorosi, 1638“ (Ottavo Libro de’ Madrigali) Text: Ottavio Rinuccini Part I: Non havea Febo ancora (TTB) Part II: Amor, dicea (STTB) Part III: Si, tra sdegnosi pianti (TTB) In this recording: Emma Kirkby, soprano Paul Agnew, tenor Andrew King, tenor Alan Ewing, bass The Consort of Musicke, Anthony Rooley Musicians: Tom Finucane, Anthony Rooley, Shirley Rumsey, lutes Christopher Wilson, Michael Fields, David Miller, chitarroni Erin Headley, lirone Hannelore DeVaere, harp Alan Wilson, organ Virgin Veritas Recorded in 1989-1990 Lamento della ninfa is the 18th piece from Monteverdi’s eighth book of madrigals (Madrigali guerrieri ed amorosi, 1638). The three male voices narrate the story and offer empathy to the nymph while she is lamenting over her abandonment. This movement of the madrigal is a beautiful example for Phrygian progression with the ostinato of its bass line in four descending notes all the way through. The inner turmoil and sorrow of the nymph is mirrored in the music by the melodic and harmonic dissonances.