If you ever thought classical music was staid and boring, you probably haven't encountered Carlo Gesualdo (1566-1613). A New Yorker article referred to him as the "Prince of Darkness" and others have dubbed him the "Madman of the Renaissance" and not without good reason. He was responsible for at least two murders, but the prolific composer of madrigals and sacred works was also known for his complex and imaginative harmonies that were almost two hundred and fifty years ahead of their time. Here's his "Tenebrae factae sunt" from Feria Sexta - Tenebrae Responsories for Good Friday, sung by the Hilliard Ensemble:
Comments