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This disc (originally released by Meridian in 1987) marked the recording debut of an ensemble who are now one of the biggest names in early music. It showcases many names that would subsequently carve out their own careers as solo singers, both with McCreesh and far further afield: John Mark Ainsley, Peter Harvey and Alan Ewing to name but three. The performances were prepared with the editorial and technical assistance of Graham Dixon, an expert in the field of Italian Renaissance and Baroque music. These oratorios are small in duration but not ambition or scale: powerful Biblical narratives are the hooks on which Carissimi hangs arias full of poignant word-painting, dramatic ensembles and masterful contrapuntal choruses.
The effect is madrigalian rather than Handelian and the text is more sensitively conveyed. The rich continuo resources of the ensemble—chamber organ and double harp, chitarrone, archlute and bass violin—well captured on this recording, effectively point up and characterize the dramatic quality of Carissimi's music.’ Gramophone
Track listing:
CD 1
1. Jephthah (Jephte) 12:34
2. The Judgment of Solomon (Judicium Salomonis) 10:55
3. Jonah (Jonas) 19:29
Gabrieli Consort and Players
Tessa Bonner, Janet Coxwell, Susan Hemington Jones sopranos
John Mark Ainsley, Nicolas Robertson, Angus Smith, Robert Wilson tenors
Alan Ewing, Peter Harvey basses
Helen Orsler, Roy Mowatt violins · Paul McCreesh bass violin
Paula Chateauneuf chitarrone, archlute · Frances Kelly double harp
Bernard Robertson chamber organ
Paul McCreesh
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