An undisputed masterpiece of the Roman Baroque, Historia di Jephte by Giacomo Carissimi was composed around 1649 for the Oratory of the Santissimo Crocifisso in Rome. It would go on to become one of the crowning achievements of the Italian musical repertoire.

Carissimi recounts the story of Jephthah, who, before going into battle, rashly vows to God that, should he be granted victory, he will sacrifice the first living being to greet him on his return. It is his only daughter. From this tragic error unfolds a profoundly moving reversal of fortune: military triumph gives way to mourning, culminating in the celebrated final chorus, Plorate – a pinnacle of emotional expression that won admiration throughout Europe from the seventeenth century onwards.

It is from this act of hubris that the second half of the programme takes its inspiration: The Last Judgement. Set by Carissimi to an anonymous text, the work weaves together passages from the Old and New Testaments into a vivid musical drama. It is arguably the most striking musical counterpart to Michelangelo’s Last Judgement, painted a century earlier in Rome, the city where Carissimi spent his entire life.

Under the direction of Vincent Dumestre, the musicians and soloists of Le Poème Harmonique restore all the brilliance and historical authenticity of these masterpieces. Renowned for bringing the hidden treasures of the Italian Seicento to life, they fill the Royal Chapel with music for an evening of profound emotion and spiritual intensity.

Giacomo Carissimi (1605–1674)

Jephthah (Historia di Jephte)
The Last Judgement

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house, a complimentary glass of champagne is included.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats, a complimentary glass of champagne is included.

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