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The Courtless Musician

Kate Molleson explores Monteverdi’s beginnings in Cremona, with early publications and musical training.

Kate Molleson begins with Monteverdi’s early years in Cremona, where he emerged as a precocious and ambitious young composer. The programme traces his first publications, from sacred music to madrigals, and the training that grounded him in the traditions of Renaissance polyphony. As his writing grows bolder and he learns to break the rules, Monteverdi experiments with madrigals.

Scherzi musicali a tre voci – Damigella tutta bella
Philippe Jaroussky, countertenor
Nuria Rial, soprano
Jan van Elsacker, tenor
Cyril Auvity, tenor
Nicolas Achten, baritone
João Fernandes, bass
L’Arpeggiata
Christina Pluhar, director

Sacrae cantiunculae (excerpts)
Györ Girls’ Choir
Jeunesses Musicales Chorus

Il primo libro de madrigali (Nos. 1-6)
Consort of Musicke
Anthony Rooley, director

Canzonette a tre voci (Nos. 1-3)
Armoniosoincanto
Franco Radicchia, director

Madrigals, Book 2 (excerpts)
Vocal ensemble

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West

Release date:

59 minutes

On radio

Mon 8 Jun 202616:00

Broadcast

  • Mon 8 Jun 202616:00

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