O vos omnes, composed by Carlo Gesualdo di Venosa.

Performed in Auer Hall at Indiana University, February 10, 2018

conducted by Sam Ritter in Doctoral Recital under the mentorship of Prof. Walter Huff.

 

"Carlo Gesualdo di Venosa’s sacred works retain characteristics of his madrigalian compositions but in a diluted form. His approach to the responsoria is one that maintains a free style and outlines his understanding and application of chromatic harmony. As was the practice of the time, this piece presents an opening section that is followed by a “response” from a smaller group of choristers. This can be seen in the score as the choral texture is reduced from six voices to five. Works of this type were intended to be sung during Holy Week, with the text for O vos omnes being taken from the book of Lamentations. This piece contains rapid stylistic shifts and moments that mirror the contemplation and understanding of this sorrowful text."

 

Text:

 

O vos omnes qui transitis per viam:

attendite et videte si est dolor sicut dolor meus.

Attendite, universi populi, et videte dolorem meum.

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*program note by the conductor