A ladder to paradise

In 1586, less than a year before his death, Vincente I Gonzaga, the Duke of Mantua, received something special. His music teacher Agostini had composed a work for him, Le lagrime del peccatore. Set to deeply personal texts, revealing much about Gonzaga as an individual, the work explored the need for repentance and divine grace to attain paradise. Gonzaga had them performed in his private chapel. Flanked by four of his contemporaries, Collegium Vocale Gent presents this exceptional music.

Warm and light in tone, that’s how the performances of early music ensemble Collegium Vocale Gent are praised. Founded in 1970 by their conductor Philippe Herreweghe, they gained renown with works by Monteverdi and Gesualdo. Gesualdo’s compositions are also on the music stand today. This tormented artist occupies a special place in a programme that takes the listener on a spiritual journey of the soul.