Musica Poetica London

Carissimi’s Jephte is very understandably seen as the first great oratorio, and it has an honoured place among the most popular to be performed in modern times. But as with early opera, which emerged from semi-dramatic courtly entertainments, the oratorio also has a fascinating history. It takes its name from spiritual laude, sung within the services of the Oratorian order founded by Filippo Neri in 1556, but also has roots in dramatic gospel motets and sacred cantatas – often in the form of dialogues.

This programme follows its development via motets and cantatas including works by de Wert, the Italian nun Cozzolani, Francesca Caccini and Frescobaldi, and culminating in Carissimi’s poignantly beautiful Jephte.