Mercè, grido piangendo for Brass Quintet

Carlo Gesualdo (1566 – 1613) composed “Mercè grido piangendo” as part of his fifth book of madrigals in 1611. Gesualdo, who was the prince of Venosa, Italy, is best known for his intensely chromatic vocal pieces. Despite being composed at the end of the Renaissance, his works sound very modern even to today’s listeners. Originally scored for five voices (SAATB), this highly expressive work has been expertly arranged for brass quintet by L. C. Harnsberger.

Watch the score video here.

In 1590, Gesualdo’s experimental and influential music was overshadowed by a crime of passion. He killed his wife and her illicit lover, yet due to the circumstances (and possibly because his impending role as the prince of Venosa) he was not found guilty of a crime. Throughout the remainder of his life, Gesualdo wrote extremely expressive sacred and secular vocal music, often using emotional texts that focused on love, pain, and mortality. The text of “Mercè grido piangendo” is no exception:

"Mercy!" I cry, weeping.

But who hears me?

Alas, I faint.

I shall die, therefore, in silence.

Ah, for pity! At least,

oh treasure of my heart,

let me tell you before

I die, "I die!".*

This arrangement for brass quintet skillfully incorporates expressive phrasing and dynamics, enhancing the emotional depth of the music and making it a perfect addition to any performance.

*English translation by Mick Swithinbank, used under the CPDL copyright license.