As featured in the 2005 BBC Proms

Giacomo Carissimi (1605-1674) 400th anniversary Oratorio – Jephte Oratorio – Jonas Cantatas/motets

Carissimi is famous as the first great composer of oratorio. He spent almost his entire working life as maestro di capella at the Collegio Germanico, Rome but also took part in musical performances at the Oratorio del Ss Crocifisso where he was in direct contact with the brotherhood of S.Filippe Neri. Jephte and Jonas are his finest oratorios, each lasting about 20 minutes and revealing a depth of characterisation and colourful story telling in the tradition of Monteverdi that is both affecting and musically profound.

9 singers

2 violins and cello/ lirone / organ / theorboes / harp

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