The Maine Gesualdo Project is a new historically informed music ensemble dedicated to the madrigal books of 16th century composer Carlo Gesualdo, Prince of Venosa and Count of Conza. Gesualdo’s work was anything but usual for its time. His chromaticism, noted by one scholar for its ‘tormented, pathological excesses’, was conceived for the ears of an educated elite of performers and listeners, likewise his intricate counterpoint. His habitual choice of texts dealing with emotional extremes and torments informed his musical language.

Gesualdo’s First Book of Madrigals reveals the young prince at his most passionate and human — weaving love, longing, and light into intricate polyphony. Though rooted in Renaissance grace, these pieces already shimmer with the tension and daring chromaticism that would later define his unmistakable voice.

Artists include Molly Harmon (soprano), Jenna Guiggey (mezzo-soprano), James M Brown (countertenor), Aaren Rivard (tenor), and Paul Jessen (bass)