Paul O’Dette; Stephen Stubbs - Judicium Salomonis : Boston Early Music Festival Vocal & Chamber Ensemble - Import CD

Credits:

Paul O’Dette; Stephen Stubbs

Description:

A collection of masterpieces by Carissimi, the “Father of the Oratorio,” performed by the highly skilled Boston Early Music Festival Ensemble! This album features the masterpieces of Carissimi, known as the “Father of the Oratorio” for his pioneering work in the genre of the oratorio—large-scale vocal works based on biblical and religious themes. Born near Rome in 1605, Calischimi secured a position at the Chapel of Assisi at the age of 20. He later became the music director at the Church of St. Apollinaris, affiliated with the German College (Collegium Germanicum) in Rome, a position he held until his death. He was also known as an outstanding educator; numerous composers, including Charpentier, Kerl, Bononcini, Colonna, and A. Scarlatti, studied under him, and his influence extended beyond Italy to France and Germany. His reputation was so high that he was even called “Arion Romanus,” likening him to the legendary ancient Greek musician Arion. “The Story of Jephthah” is not only Calischimi’s masterpiece but also a historically significant work that established the oratorio genre. Based on the Book of Judges in the Old Testament, this tragedy features the lament of Jephthah, a judge of Israel who, after defeating the hostile Ammonites, must sacrifice his daughter as a sacrifice to God, as he had vowed. “The Judgment of Solomon” is based on a famous episode from the Book of Kings in the Old Testament. The music dramatically portrays the scene of “Solomon’s Judgment,” in which King Solomon, faced with two women each claiming a baby as her own and refusing to yield, ordered the child to be cut in two and divided between them, ultimately recognizing the woman who reluctantly agreed to give up the child as the true mother. In addition to these two pieces, the album includes five motets, offering a glimpse into Carissimi’s superb compositional style. While the surviving manuscripts of Carissimi’s works contain only the basso continuo, some rare manuscripts include parts for string instruments such as the violin. This recording features a rich basso continuo ensemble—including viola da gamba, lirone, double bass, lute, baroque guitar, theorbo, baroque harp, harpsichord, and organ, along with two violins, creating a richly colored performance. The Boston Early Music Festival Vocal & Chamber Ensemble, the flagship group of the music festival that began in Boston in 1980, performs not only in the United States but also in Europe. On this recording, two giants of the plucked string world—co-music directors Paul Odette and Stephen Stubbs—join the continuo section. Furthermore, Miloš Valenta, a master of the Baroque violin renowned as a specialist in improvisation and traditional music, serves as first violin. Also worth noting is the outstanding lineup of singers, including festival regular Amanda Forsyth, who bring Calissimi’s music vividly to life. Cover painting: “Jephthah’s Daughter” (Anonymous, 17th-century Florentine school) Naxos Japan