The oratorio 'Il Verbo in carne' is an exception to the typical musical landscape of its time due to its extensive score, which includes 17 arias, 1 duet, 2 trios, and numerous instrumental pieces, totaling over two hours of music.
Recording & Production
This album is a live recording from December 5, 2016, at the Laeiszhalle Hamburg, as part of the NDR Das Alte Werk series.
Composer Biography
Nicola Antonio Porpora, the composer of this oratorio, was known as 'The incarnate word'.
Compositional Technique
A distinctive feature of this oratorio is the widespread use of recitatives accompanied by strings, which enhance the expressive nuances of the characters' discussions.
Composition History
The existence of an earlier version of 'Il Verbo in carne' was rediscovered through a printed libretto from Naples (c. 1747) and a 19th-century copy of the score by collector Fortunato Santini, which contradicted earlier theories about its origin.
Composition History
This oratorio, 'Il Verbo in carne', was first performed in its original version in Naples around 1747.
Compositional Technique
Porpora's 'Il Verbo in carne' uses a rich tonal palette, adding a solo psaltery, two flutes, two horns, and a bassoon to the strings and continuo section, and includes imitations of traditional Italian bagpipes.
You might also enjoy...
Rossi: Il sacrifizio di Abram
Reich: Tehillim (Psalms) (Recorded 1982)
Gottfried August Homilius: Johannespassion
Handel: Gideon (Compiled and Arr. by J. C. Smith)
J.S. Bach: St. Luke Passion, BWV 246 Anh. II 30
Caldara: La concordia de' pianeti
Homilius, G.A.: St. John Passion
Almeida: Il trionfo d'amore
Telemann, G.P.: Aus Der Lowengrube Errettete Daniel (Der) [Oratorio]
