Soror mea, Sponsa mea: Canticum Canticorum nei Conventi
Tactus 560002 [See also www.tactus.it]
8 voices, 2 violins, basso continuo (dulcian, organ, theorbo, viola da gamba, harp)
The Canticum canticorum, one of the most beautifully sensual texts to be found in the Bible, was also one of the most often set to music in the 17th century, both outside and inside the convent walls, in music written both for and by Italian cloistered nuns. These women, eternally married to Christ (with or without their consent) identified strongly with the florid imagery of the bride and the beloved. This program presents music composed by well-known musicians and dedicated to the convents (G.P. Cima, A. Banchieri, S. Reina, B. Re, A. Soderino, F. Martini and others), and by the nuns themselves (Raphaella Aleotti, Alba Tressina, Lucrezia Orsina Vizzana, Chiara Margarita Cozzolani, Maria Xaveria Perucona, Caterina Assandra, Isabella Leonarda). It will also feature secular madrigals, composed by such celebrated composers as Monteverdi and Nanino, as sacred contrafacta intended specifically for convent usage. Though often conceived for intimate small-scale forces, this repertoire also includes larger works featuring those "prohibited" musical instruments: violins.
As always, the Cappella Artemisia is exclusively represented by women artists [...] And as always, the results of the interpretation by these performers is clearly evident. [...] Moreover, the individual works on this CD are meticulously chosen and stylishly executed. And with this playing, the Cappella Artemisia and its director once again set a standard, seamlessly joined to their other successful productions, bringing interested listeners closer to new unfamiliar music. [Toccata (Alte Musik Aktuell)]