Composer

:

Giacomo Carissimi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1670

Average_duration

:

10:43

Giacomo Carissimi was an Italian composer of the Baroque era, known for his sacred music and oratorios. One of his most famous works is "Quasi aquila," a sacred cantata for solo voice and continuo. "Quasi aquila" was composed in the mid-17th century, likely around 1650. It was first performed in Rome, where Carissimi was the maestro di cappella at the church of Sant'Apollinare. The cantata consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "Quasi aquila," is a recitative that sets the scene for the cantata. The text is taken from the book of Jeremiah, and describes the prophet's lament over the destruction of Jerusalem. The music is somber and mournful, with long, flowing melodic lines that reflect the sadness of the text. The second movement, "Sicut avis," is an aria that contrasts sharply with the first. The text is taken from the book of Psalms, and describes the joy and freedom of the soul that has been released from captivity. The music is light and airy, with fast, virtuosic vocal lines that suggest the flight of a bird. The continuo provides a lively accompaniment, with rapid arpeggios and trills that add to the sense of movement and energy. The final movement, "Sicut aquila," is another recitative that returns to the theme of the first. The text is taken from the book of Exodus, and describes God's promise to the Israelites that he will carry them on eagle's wings to safety. The music is more hopeful and uplifting than the first recitative, with rising melodic lines that suggest the soaring flight of an eagle. Overall, "Quasi aquila" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Carissimi's skill as a composer. The contrast between the mournful first movement and the joyful second is particularly striking, and the final movement provides a sense of resolution and hope that brings the cantata to a satisfying conclusion.

More....