Colonna: Nisi Dominus - Mottetti e Lamentazioni - Giovanni Paolo Colonna

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and evocative world of Giovanni Paolo Colonna's "Nisi Dominus - Mottetti e Lamentazioni," a captivating collection of motets and lamentations that showcase the composer's mastery of Baroque vocal music. Released on October 1, 2012, under the Tactus label, this album spans a rich 68 minutes, featuring 24 tracks that blend the profound and the sublime.

The Ensemble Arte Musica, under the direction of Francesco Cera, brings Colonna's compositions to life with stunning precision and passion. The album opens with the Psalmi ad vesperas, Op. 12, No. 8, "Nisi Dominus," a setting of Psalm 127 that reflects on the blessings of a life guided by divine providence. This work is followed by a series of motets and lamentations that explore themes of devotion, joy, and reflection, culminating in the poignant Sacra lamentationi della Settimana Santa, Op. 9.

Highlights include the motets from Op. 2, such as "O coeli devota" and "O lucidissima dies," which are characterized by their intricate polyphony and expressive harmonies. The album also features the motet "Pulchra es" from Op. 3, a beautiful setting of the Song of Solomon that celebrates the beauty of the beloved.

Colonna's compositions are notable for their technical virtuosity and deep spiritual resonance. The Ensemble Arte Musica's performance is marked by its clarity and sensitivity, making this album an essential addition to any lover of Baroque vocal music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of the genre or a newcomer to Colonna's work, "Nisi Dominus - Mottetti e Lamentazioni" offers a profound and enriching listening experience.

October 1, 2012

2012 Tactus

2012 (P) Tactus

About Giovanni Paolo Colonna

Giovanni Paolo Colonna, born in 1637 in Bologna, was a multifaceted musical figure whose compositions and teachings left an indelible mark on the Baroque era. As a composer, organist, and organ builder, Colonna's work reflects the rich musical traditions of his time, blending the Roman church cantata style of his mentor Giacomo Carissimi with a forward-looking approach that hinted at the grandeur of George Frideric Handel. His sacred music, including masses, psalms, motets, and requiems, showcases his mastery of the genre and his ability to evoke deep spiritual emotions.

Colonna's career was marked by his service to some of Italy's most prominent courts, including those of Ferrara, Parma, Modena, and Florence. He was also a pivotal figure in the musical community of Bologna, serving as the chapel-master and organist of the prestigious San Petronio Basilica and founding the Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna, where he served as president. His influence extended beyond his compositions; Colonna established a school that produced distinguished musicians, including the renowned Giovanni Maria Buononcini.

Colonna's legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which continues to inspire and captivate audiences with its depth and beauty. His contributions to the world of music are a testament to his genius and his enduring impact on the Baroque period.