From which Carissimi oratorio does the movement 'Plorate, Filii Israel' come?

From which Carissimi oratorio does the movement 'Plorate, Filii Israel' come?

• A. Jephte
• B. La Resurrezione
• C. Historia di Santa Cecilia
• D. Il ritorno di Ulisse in patria

Answer: (A)

This movement is a stark example of early Baroque dramatic vocal music and shows how text and music work together to convey deep sorrow. It comes from Carissimi’s oratorio about Jephte (Historia di Jephte). In this scene, a lone voice—often sung by a high voice with continuo accompaniment—expresses a grievous lament that mirrors the tragedy of the vow and its consequences. The famous title phrase, Plorate, Filii Israel, has long been associated with this work, and the musical setting—with its mournful vocal line and restrained accompaniment—epitomizes the emotional intensity that Carissimi aimed for in the early oratorio form. The other options are different works not connected to this particular movement, so Jephte is the correct source.

This movement is a stark example of early Baroque dramatic vocal music and shows how text and music work together to convey deep sorrow. It comes from Carissimi’s oratorio about Jephte (Historia di Jephte). In this scene, a lone voice—often sung by a high voice with continuo accompaniment—expresses a grievous lament that mirrors the tragedy of the vow and its consequences. The famous title phrase, Plorate, Filii Israel, has long been associated with this work, and the musical setting—with its mournful vocal line and restrained accompaniment—epitomizes the emotional intensity that Carissimi aimed for in the early oratorio form. The other options are different works not connected to this particular movement, so Jephte is the correct source.