Monteverdi's third book of madrigals of 1592 is one of the earliest steps towards the writing of opera as we know it. In this collection of songs, Monteverdi, for the first time, starts to bring small groups of songs (2 or 3) to form a 'Scena" - a collection with similar words or on a similar theme or by the same poet and keeping them as a little group within the book of madrigals.

The 20th and final song, "Ond'ei di morte" begins as follows: "His face was imprinted with death" The lover has succeeded in 'dying' (a euphemism). This song ends the book and is the climax of the final 'scena', a group of two linked songs (Nos 19-20) which is also available as a single download.

As with all of Monteverdi's vocal music, it translates really well onto instruments. The individual madrigals are available separately. This flexible arrangement is equally playable on woodwind ensembles as on brass.

Parts supplied:

Part 1 in Bb Part 2 in Bb Part 3 in Eb/F Part 4 in Bb/C(BC) Part 5 in Eb/C(BC)/Bb

Other parts may be requested.