Gesualdo’s Second Book of Madrigals, performed on this recording by male voices only, is an even more radical study of the themes explored in Volume 1 (8.570548), a continuation as it were of the same work. Like Book 1, it was published in 1594 in Ferrara during the preparations for Gesualdo’s second wedding, and demonstrates his ability to treat the poetic word as a source of musical ideas. The last two tracks present Gesualdo’s only two instrumental compositions. ‘Delitiæ Musicæ’s survey of Monteverdi’s madrigals for Naxos was an outstanding achievement, as good as any versions in the current CD catalogue.’ (The Guardian)