Castle concerts

Carissimi. Cantatas a voce sola

Unpublished secular cantatas for soprano and continuo by the famous Roman composer Giacomo Carissimi.

Well-known for his sacred works in Rome, particularly the oratorio, Giacomo Carissimi developed a profound musical style in which text and emotion are closely linked. In all his works, the musical structure is intimately linked to the affetti and the poetic metre. Arias, ariosos, recitatives, duets and trios unfold in accordance with the demands of the text. Carissimi's cantatas are both unified and complex.

The Mnemusik ensemble's desire to bring these works to the attention of the public - rather than leaving them in books - prompted them to select six cantatas for a CD to be released shortly. The concert at the Castle of Gruyères is a preview of this project.