Claudio Monteverdi is not just the father of history’s first opera, L’Orfeo, he is also a composer of remarkable madrigals and canzoni, short works that often celebrate the twists and turns of love or the torments of the soul. Leaving an indelible mark on early 17th century Italy, Monteverdi symbolises the transition between the Renaissance and the Baroque: he introduced the recitar cantando, a style of singing close to declamation that increasingly highlighted the text and emotional expression, and positioned the singer as soloist. The continuo accompanies the voice and underlines the sentiments expressed.

Concert d’Astrée soloists
2 singers and continuo (distribution to be specified)