Monteverdi - The Seventh Book of Madrigals (1619) - 14. Tornate, O cari baci a6 by Claudio Monteverdi Cornet - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.767320

At long last I have nearly finished the 7th book. This book has posed some issues as it is such complex music it is almost impossible to cut it down to 5 parts while maintaining its integrity. As a result, some songs will be in 6 or more parts.

Tornate, O cari baci is another duet for two tenors, The title translates as "Return, O Beloved ?" . In it, the poet is pleading with his lover to return and kiss him back to life - with the usual proviso that 'life' and 'death' are euphemisms.

I decided to use two euphonious/baritones for the soloists, with the accompaniment managed by 2 cornets/trumpets, a horn and a tuba.The accompaniment is, in places, quite complex. There are many places where there is imitation, not just between the soloists, but also between them and the accompaniment.

The seventh book is quite a change from the earlier ones. Monteverdi seems to be concentrating on developing solos and duets, trios and small accompanied ensembles. The accompaniments are often written out with more than just long note chords. The intricate instrumental parts are more than just filling in the harmony (hence the difficulty in paring them down.)

Once again, these songs are exquisitely crafted and travel well onto brass.