FRESCOBALDI: Vol.6, Complete Works, Primo Libro dei Madrigali a Cinque Voci [CD de audio] Modo Antiquo, Bettina Hoffmann and Fre

This edition of Frescobaldi has set itself the goal of maintaining all the composer's works in a discographic manner. The sixth volume is now available, dedicated to Frescobaldi's secular madrigals. A complete book of madrigals is preserved and it is shown that Frescobaldi had planned others, which he did not complete. His vocal works, such as his harpsichord pieces, were a major influence on the work of JS Bach. The texts deal with unrequited love, faithful shepherds and singing maidens. Frescobaldi shows in his music a rather charming distance from human passions and feelings. He does not reach as expressively and always in a supernaturally high way as Monteverdi and Gesualdo did. The madrigals are Frescobaldi's first published works and the spirit of his time can be felt in the cultural centers of northern Italy, in Ferrara and Mantua, where the composer studied and worked. His madrigals are quite discreetly contrapuntal, sounding as musically literary, not as expressive melody, in which the words are subordinate to the sound. A fascinating compendium of worldly engagement with the mystery of love. More information: - sensational overall recording by a forgotten composer, surprisingly high quality, rarely heard repertoire.