Felicissimo sonno

Carlo Gesualdo's Felicissimo sonno is a striking example of the Italian madrigal. Written for five voices (SATTB), this secular work showcases Gesualdo's characteristic harmonic language and intense emotional expression. The text, which speaks of a most fortunate sleep where the beloved's eyes are alive, contrasts with the speaker's darkness. He implores a dream to carry a message of his afflicted soul to his lady, hoping for compassion and a gentle awakening. Gesualdo masterfully sets these words, creating a rich and complex soundscape that perfectly captures the pathos and longing inherent in the poetry.