10-piece Brass Ensemble - Monteverdi Madrigals Book 7 - 29. Amor che deggio far

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.

In Amor che deggio far, the poet is pleading with his love for constancy. he feels she doesn't love him enough to be his lover forever.

This is one of the longer poems set in the seventh book and has a variety of musical forms within it. It begins with an opening statment of the 3 ritornelli that will reappear after each solo, duet, trio or quartet from the soloists. In this way, the composer prepares the listener for what will come and it will therefore be familiar and recognisable in the context of the song.

This ia also one of the most demanding songs in the book. It requires a set of four solo singers (Trumpet/Horn/Trombone/Tuba) a pair of obbligato violins (Eb trumpet and Bb trumpet) and a string+ keyboard continuo part (Trumpet/Horn/Euphonium/Tuba) making 10 instruments in all. I had to use an Eb trumpet as the range of the obbligato is quite adventurous for the period and covers some of the clarino range that was to become popular in the High Baroque.

At 5 minutes in length, this is a great finisher for either hafl of a concert, especially as Monteverdi has reserved use of all the instruments/voices until the very end, creating a rousing finish.

The seventh book continues to be a challenge. 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, this song is exquisitely crafted and travels well onto brass.