Carissimi: Jephte

• Context:

  • Example  of early oratorio writing
  • One of Carissimi's most famous pieces
  • Written in 1648
  • Italy
  • 30 mins long
• Vocal forces:

  • Limited vocal forces + basso continuo accompaniment
  • Emphasis on choir: basso continuo is limited to simply accompanying the choir
• Harmony:

  • Primary chords
  • Bare 5ths
• Word Painting:

  • Polyphonic texture imitating fighting: 'pugnaret'
  • Natural harmonic series and arpeggios of a trumpet on 'clangebunt' imitating the sound of a trumpet