Concerto Italiano: Monteverdi’s Madrigals

Monteverdi’s music first brought Concerto Italiano to international attention, and it remains at the heart of the ensemble’s work and identity.

Directed by inspirational founder Rinaldo Alessandrini, the group is now recognised as a leading interpreter of Italian early music.

In a rare UK appearance, they perform Monteverdi’s complete Third Book of Madrigals, published in 1592 while the composer worked at the Renaissance court in Mantua.

These intimate songs reveal Monteverdi boldly pushing against the limits of musical expression. Classical poetry and pastoral scenes unfold through audacious harmonies, vivid word-painting and ever-shifting moods.

Passions and torments, betrayals and yearnings emerge with striking immediacy in these a cappella part-songs, which look ahead to the operatic innovations that Monteverdi would unleash in later decades.

With scholarly authority and fiery musical passion, Concerto Italiano shines a bright light on the colours and expressive power of this milestone in Renaissance music.