Composer

:

Giacomo Carissimi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1675

Average_duration

:

4:39

Giacomo Carissimi was an Italian composer of the Baroque era, known for his sacred music. One of his most famous works is "Exulta, gaude, filia Sion," a sacred motet for four voices 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 was likely composed for use during the Christmas season, as the text is taken from the book of Isaiah and speaks of the joy of the people of Zion at the birth of the Messiah. The motet is divided into three movements. The first movement, "Exulta, gaude, filia Sion," is a joyful and celebratory chorus, with the voices and continuo interweaving in a lively and energetic manner. The second movement, "Quia veniet," is a slower and more contemplative aria, with the solo voice expressing the anticipation and longing for the coming of the Messiah. The final movement, "Ecce Dominus noster," returns to the joyful and celebratory mood of the first movement, with the voices and continuo building to a triumphant conclusion. Carissimi's use of harmony and counterpoint in "Exulta, gaude, filia Sion" is typical of the Baroque era, with the voices and continuo often moving in parallel motion or in imitation of each other. The use of dissonance and resolution is also a hallmark of Baroque music, and Carissimi employs these techniques to great effect in the motet. Overall, "Exulta, gaude, filia Sion" is a beautiful and uplifting work that showcases Carissimi's skill as a composer of sacred music. Its joyful and celebratory mood makes it a perfect piece for use during the Christmas season, and it remains a beloved work of the Baroque repertoire to this day.

More....