Review / CIMF concert 17, ‘Battle of the Sexes’

«For the last work, the tenor, Marco Beasley, returned to perform Monteverdi’s “Lettera amorosa”, from 1619, which is a setting of a poem by Claudio Achillini. He was accompanied (brilliantly) only by the theorbo. It is described as a madrigal, indeed it is in Monteverdi’s “Seventh Book of Madrigals”, but it is more like a recitative, with minimal accompaniment and a free rhythm. Beasley’s performance was beautiful as he wrote his letter, entreating it to deliver a heartfelt expression of love to his intended as he awaits their nuptials.»

CityNews
Clinton White | Mayo de 2016