Masterpiece

Miserere

by Carlo Gesualdo

It is no secret that Carlo Gesualdo (1566-1613) suffered from deep depression. His life was full of public and private turmoil that affected him profoundly. Betrayed by people closest to him, discouraged with himself, and having lost to death many who were close to him, he died alone. In his twilight years he composed Miserere, a setting of the 51st Psalm. The text, in part, reads:

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness... blot out my transgressions.

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin... my sin is ever before me...

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, though God of my salvation...

For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it:...

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

Gesualdo effected the course of music forever. Using his money and status he found most pleasure and happiness in the composing and performing of music. Gesualdo masterfully set this text to beautiful and spiritual music, recalling his own sense of despair, guilt, yet hope for things to come. This is a masterpiece.