Seventeenth century Italian composer Giacomo Carissimi is known mostly for his oratorio Jephte, one of the towering dramatic works of the Baroque era. Here the French historical-instrument ensemble La Fenice explores some of his other works, delving into his adaptation of the language of opera to sacred ends. The results are spectacular, beginning with the famous Georges de la Tour painting of a girl staring into a candle frame that graces the cover. The painting plunges the listener into the lush yet philosophical world of ...
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Seventeenth century Italian composer Giacomo Carissimi is known mostly for his oratorio Jephte, one of the towering dramatic works of the Baroque era. Here the French historical-instrument ensemble La Fenice explores some of his other works, delving into his adaptation of the language of opera to sacred ends. The results are spectacular, beginning with the famous Georges de la Tour painting of a girl staring into a candle frame that graces the cover. The painting plunges the listener into the lush yet philosophical world of Baroque sacred music, and La Fenice, director Jean Tubéry, and the Choeur de Chambre de Namur pick up the ball with a rich sound that is achieved by a comparatively small group of players. They employ two unusual original instruments that give a sumptuous sound: a three-register Baroque harp and a lirone, a large viol on which the bow can sound three strings at once. But the greatest accomplishment lies in the works unearthed. The opening Vanitas Vanitatum is designated an oratorio...
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