Search - Giacomo Carissimi, Consortium Carissimi :: Carissimi: Mass for Three Voices / Six Motets

Two entirely different musical forms both well performed

R. Rockwell | Brooklyn, NY USA | 12/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Carissimi is predominantly known for his oratorios. The performance of his mass is beatifully done by Consortium Carissimi which consists of three male voice (two tenors and bass) as well as a basso continuo. This elegantly simple mass brougt tears to my eyes on many occasions. The addition of the instrument adds a level of poignancy to the mass which is most apparent in the Agnue Dei.
The motets included have a more song-like quality than other motets I have heard, aven though the texts are religious. They are very different from the mass yet equally beatiful.
Naxos has provided a detailed summary of Carissimi and his times which elucidate the listening.
As someone who has no musical education and who has not litened to other versions of the works, my comments are limited to what I exepience as a listener.
I do plan to buy the other Naxos Carissimi disc."