The inaugural concert of the 2025 Season presents an unprecedented and rarely performed program.

After years of studying the manuscript, Ensemble Locatelli is ready to present its interpretation of a rare composition by Bernardo Pasquini.
The Lenten period is characterized by reflection, self-examination, and a strong sense of spirituality. These are all characteristics that form the basis of the Oratorio, a genre popular throughout the 17th century that reached its peak in Rome. Considered a sort of sacred-themed opera in a non-representative form, the Oratorio shares with the latter its structural form consisting of alternating arias, recitatives, and choruses, as well as having a well-defined plot and dramatic structure that make the definition of “Sacred Drama” fitting. The themes come from biblical episodes, lives of saints, or represent Christian virtues through refined allegories.
The father of this new genre is considered to be Giacomo Carissimi, but soon numerous composers tried their hand at this form, which quickly met with the favor of the Roman religious aristocracy, rapidly evolving the language and introducing instruments. One of the most versatile figures of the late 17th century, Bernardo Pasquini, a musician associated with the noble Borghese family, composed numerous oratorios, many of which have already been performed in contemporary times. However, the oratorio “The Deeds of Moses in the Desert,” also known as “Moses,” composed for 4 solo voices, 2 violins, viola, and basso continuo, which deals with the biblical narratives of Exodus, has eluded Italian performances.
Pasquini’s music is refined, vivid, and with concise and dynamic forms; it serves as an ideal bridge between the artifices of the 17th century and the more elaborate complexity of the 18th century. Its historical placement alongside Corelli, with whom he was a close collaborator, and the admiration he enjoyed from Handel and numerous other composers throughout Europe, is not surprising.

Playbill

Bernardo Pasquini (1637-1710)
The Deeds of Moses in the Desert (1687)

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Locatelli Vocal Ensemble
Locatelli Ensemble

Thomas Chigioni direction