Jommelli: Missa pro Defunctis, Libera me & Miserere

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the profound and stirring compositions of Niccolò Jommelli with this meticulously crafted album, "Jommelli: Missa pro Defunctis, Libera me & Miserere." This collection, released on April 3, 2020, under the Passacaille label, features a rich tapestry of sacred music that showcases Jommelli's mastery and his significant contributions to the classical repertoire.

The album spans a total of 50 tracks, encapsulating a duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, and includes some of Jommelli's most revered works. At the heart of the collection is the "Missa pro Defunctis in E-Flat Major," a powerful and moving Requiem composed in 1756 to honor the memory of the Duchess von Württemberg, mother of Jommelli's patron, Duke Carl Eugen. This piece, along with the "Libera me in C Minor" and "Miserere in G Minor," exemplifies Jommelli's deep understanding of both the spiritual and musical dimensions of his craft.

Performed by the esteemed ensemble Il Gardellino, under the direction of Peter Van Heyghen, this album benefits from the expertise of renowned vocalists including Gudrun Sidonie Otto, Miriam Feuersinger, Helen Charlston, Gaia Petrone, Daniel Johannsen, and Valerio Contaldo. Each track is a testament to the ensemble's dedication to historical performance practices, ensuring an authentic and resonant listening experience.

Niccolò Jommelli, one of the most sought-after composers of his time, brings his operatic flair and deep spiritual insight to these sacred works. The "Missa pro Defunctis" is particularly notable for its dramatic intensity and lyrical beauty, making it a cornerstone of the Baroque requiem tradition. The "Libera me" and "Miserere" further enrich the album with their poignant melodies and profound theological depth.

This album is a testament to Jommelli's enduring legacy and his ability to blend the sacred and the dramatic in a way that resonates deeply with the listener. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a profound and enriching experience.

April 3, 2020

(P) 2019 Passacaille

About Niccolò Jommelli

Niccolò Jommelli, born in Aversa, Italy, in 1714, was a pioneering composer of the Neapolitan School whose innovative works left an indelible mark on the operatic landscape of the mid-eighteenth century. Known for his eclectic style, Jommelli seamlessly blended Italian, German, and French musical elements, earning admiration from contemporaries like Mozart. His operatic reforms, which included reducing the ornateness of style and the dominance of star singers, significantly influenced the genre. Jommelli's prolific career spanned over 220 stage works, including more than 60 operas, as well as numerous oratorios, cantatas, masses, and chamber music. His journey took him through major European cities, including Rome, Vienna, Stuttgart, and Naples, where he held prestigious positions such as "Ober-Kapellmeister" at the ducal court of Stuttgart and vice-chapelmaster at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Despite suffering a stroke in 1771, Jommelli continued to compose until his death in 1774, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.