Marenzio – Crudel perché mi fuggi (1587)

Luca Marenzio’s madrigal “Crudel perché mi fuggi” offers a glimpse into the expressive world of late Renaissance vocal music. Composed during the late 16th century, Marenzio’s madrigal stands alongside works by his contemporaries such as Monteverdi and Palestrina.

The madrigal, written for unaccompanied voices, explores the themes of unrequited love and the torment of rejection. Marenzio’s masterful polyphony and expressive dissonances capture the emotional intensity of the text. The carefully crafted vocal lines reflect the nuances of the Italian madrigal tradition, where word-painting and vivid emotional expression are paramount.

“Crudel perché mi fuggi” is characterized by Marenzio’s sensitive treatment of the text, allowing the listener to feel the protagonist’s anguish. The madrigal showcases Marenzio’s skill in creating intricate vocal textures and exploiting the expressive potential of the human voice. It remains a poignant example of the emotional depth and artistic refinement present in the madrigals of the late Renaissance.