Lamentations

Emilio de' Cavalieri (1550-1602) might be one of the most interesting figures of his time. A diplomat; choreographer; organist and composer; his few surviving compositions are groundbreaking; and place him at the forefront of musical development; especially in terms of his connection to the new stile rappresentativo and early opera. Cavalieri's Lamentations and Responsories are extremely innovative when compared to other settings from the time: the expressive setting of the dark biblical text combines old and new musical styles - beautiful and complex polyphonic sections alternating with highly expressive monodies and duets. Profeti della Quinta has been researching and performing Cavalieri's Lamentations over the past ten years; and are extremely happy to finally share this recording of it.