An analysis of the Sconda Prattica in Claudio Monteverdi's Madrigals

Many theorists and musicologists have concerned themselves with studies of Claudio Monteverdi's life and works. Most of them, however, have neglected to examine through musical analysis his use of the Seconda Prattica in the early madrigals.

In this study selected madrigals from Monteverdi's first five books of madrigals were analyzed for the elements of form, harmony, melody, prosody, rhythm and texture. The analysis revealed that Monteverdi's compositional style, although it did undergo an evolutionary process, reflected the Seconda Prattica in even his early madrigals.