Review

Carlo Gesualdo
Three Motets:

Arranged by Bradley Palmer


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2010
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts.

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 5 trombones

Ave dulcissima Maria (4.30); O vos omnes (4.00); Deus refugium et virtus (2.30)

While Monteverdi was writing the first diatonic masterworks in the new Baroque style, his contemporary Gesualdo (c.1560-1613) became the ultimate expression of the late Renaissance, writing for unaccompanied voices, extending the modal system and a complex polyphonic style to its farthest limits. Melodic lines leap over wide intervals to match every emotional nuance in the text; harmony is startlingly dissonant. Out of context, these expressions may seem simply wayward. Dr. Palmer has carefully chosen three motets that are stylistically less extreme, and from which successful transcriptions may be made. All come from Sacrae Cantiones of 1603. The simplest is the Marian motet, Ave dulcissima Maria; the most complex, Deus refugium et virtus, a setting of the first two verses of Psalm 46; the composer’s imagination responds as vividly as one would expect to the imagery of mountains hurled into the sea, and waters seething in tumult. O vos omnes sets a verse from Lamentations, Is it of no concern to you who pass by? - dignified and understated, poignantly beautiful, and exquisite in its final semi-tonal cadence on the words dolor meus. 

These transcriptions are a welcome addition to the repertoire. They are a well contrasted group; the first two pieces are prayerful and reflective, calling for a sostenuto playing style. The third piece is dramatic and virtuosic. The arranger has taken much care with dynamic markings to give a satisfyingly expressive result. There are no significant technical difficulties, but as always with this composer, there will be some unexpected intervals. First part is written in tenor clef and tops out at c2, 2nd goes up to f1. Bass trombone range is BB-flat to f. Score and parts are produced with Cherry Classics’ usual exemplary clarity. Dr. Palmer is Trombone Professor at Columbus State University. 

-Keith Davies Jones
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada