Composer

:

Giacomo Carissimi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

ca. 1650

Average_duration

:

7:23

Giacomo Carissimi was an Italian composer of the Baroque era, known for his sacred music and oratorios. One of his most famous works is "Scrivete, occhi dolenti," a lament for solo voice and continuo. The composition was likely written in the mid-17th century, during Carissimi's time as maestro di cappella at the church of Sant'Apollinare in Rome. It is unclear when the piece was first performed, but it has since become a staple of the Baroque vocal repertoire. "Scrivete, occhi dolenti" is a single-movement work, lasting around six minutes. It is written for a solo voice (usually a soprano or mezzo-soprano) and continuo accompaniment, which typically includes a harpsichord or organ and a cello or bassoon. The piece begins with a mournful instrumental introduction, featuring a descending bass line that sets the somber tone for the entire work. The soloist then enters, singing a text that laments the loss of a loved one. The melody is characterized by long, flowing phrases and frequent use of ornamentation, such as trills and turns. Throughout the piece, Carissimi employs a variety of musical techniques to convey the emotional depth of the text. For example, he uses chromaticism (the use of notes outside the diatonic scale) to create a sense of tension and dissonance. He also employs frequent changes in dynamics and tempo to highlight the text's shifting moods. Overall, "Scrivete, occhi dolenti" is a powerful example of Baroque vocal music, showcasing Carissimi's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

More....