BOLD THEATRICAL CONCERT EXPLORES THE TORTURED GENIUS OF CARLO GESUALDO, RENAISSANCE MUSICIAN AND MURDERER

The Gesualdo Six reunite with director Bill Barclay for a haunting theatrical concert exploring the tormented life and music of Carlo Gesualdo – the Renaissance composer infamous for the murder of his unfaithful wife and celebrated for his innovative musical genius.

Building on the international success of Secret Byrd, seen in sold-out performances in over 25 cities and also co-commissioned by St Martin’s and produced by Concert Theatre Works, this new work continues the collaboration between Barclay and The Gesualdo Six.

Carlo Gesualdo (1566–1613), Prince of Venosa, is remembered for murdering his wife and her lover, but among musicians he is revered for his daring chromaticism, centuries ahead of its time. This production explores the psychological and political forces that shaped his violent life and visionary work.

Bill Barclay says: “Gesualdo’s tortured mind led him into a life of violence and suffering, concluding in appalling tales of sorcery and flagellation. However shockingly macabre his biography is, the Prince of Venosa’s malignant narcissism can be traced to key incidents from his upbringing in the zero-sum game of Catholic politics.”

Six singers, six actors and a puppet enact a series of tableaux vivants – vivid images, like paintings brought to life. The Death of Gesualdo opens on the composer’s deathbed and interweaves key moments from his life with some of his most chilling and powerful music. The result promises to be a visceral ‘Stations of the Cross’ for the composer’s tortured conscience, and a bold exploration of the inseparable life, psyche and music of this enigmatic musical genius.

Bill Barclay said “I want people to hear the brilliance of Gesualdo’s music, but also to feel the immense human suffering that shaped it. This staging seeks to reveal the guilt and retribution woven through his extraordinary music, brought to life by The Gesualdo Six – some of the finest polyphonic singers in the world.”

The creative team includes Olivier Award-winning choreographer Will Tuckett, best known for his work with The Royal Ballet and his visionary cross-disciplinary approach; former Director of Handspring Puppet Company Janni Younge; and internationally acclaimed American costume designer Arthur Oliver.

The Death of Gesualdo was commissioned by St Martin-in-Fields, The National Centre for Early Music in York and Music Before 1800 in New York. The world premiere performances will open St Martin-in-the-Field’s 300th anniversary year.

Chris Denton, Chief Executive of St Martin-in-the-Fields, said: “By bringing together the unparalleled Gesualdo Six and the astonishing creative vision of Bill Barclay, this exceptional work will be a powerful overture to our 300th anniversary celebrations and reflects our enduring commitment to enriching the cultural life of London through bold creativity, and supporting the best possible music making.”

Barclay said: “It’s a testament to St Martin-in-the-Field’s bold artistic vision that they’ve commissioned this work. The church’s own rich history and stunning architecture make it the perfect setting for these performances.”