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.
This is the largest song so far. It is very complex and was
originally composed as a Soprano solo with a 9-part 'orchestra' split
into three unequally sized 'choirs'.
Choir 1 consisted of two cittarones (a kind of theorbo or archlute), a
clavicembalo (early harpsichord) and a spinet.
Choir 2 comprised a string orchestra (viole da brazza, violins, viole da braccia, clavicembano (sic) and basso continuo).
Choir 3 comprised individual instruments viola da braccio or gamba,
basso da braccio or gamba, contrabass and an (unnamed) keyboard.
As you might imagine, this was well nigh impossible to reduce to 5
players, so I have transcribed it for 9 brass instruments, more or less
keeping to the original 'choir' groupings with a trumpet/cornet solo
line. This is also one of the longest songs so far.
I hope you enjoy the result.
The text translates as: How softly, scented lips, I kiss you or
listen to you. The poet is describing his inability to both kiss and
hear his beloved's voice at the same time.
The following parts are supplied:
Part 1 in Bb (Solo) - Trumpet/Cornet
Part 2 in Bb (Tutti 1) - Trumpet/Cornet
Part 3 in C/Bb (Basso) - Euphonium/Trombone/Baritone
Part 4 in Bb (Tutti 2) - Trumpet/Cornet
Part 5 in Bb (Tutti 3) - Trumpet/Cornet
Part 6 in F/Eb - Horn
Part 7 in F/Eb - Horn
Part 8 in C/Bb - Trombone/Euphonium/Baritone
Part 9 in C/Bb - Trombone/Euphonium/Baritone
Part 10 in C/Eb - Tuba/Eb Bass
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.