A graduate in singing under the guidance of Serafina Tuzzi, soprano Rosita Frisani completed her studies in Vocal Chamber Music at the Verdi Conservatory in Milan with distinction, continuing to work thereafter with a number of highly distinguished teachers and coaches. She has triumphed in a number of national and international competitions, including the Belvedere in Vienna, the F. Viñas in Barcelona, and Conegliano Veneto. In 1988 she made her début as Oscar in Un ballo in maschera, appearing in Holland, Switzerland, Norway, England and Austria. Her subsequent career has brought performances throughout Europe, most notably in Baroque repertoire, some marking the first modern revival, but extending also to Mozart and Rossini.

Giacomo Carissimi occupies an important position in Italian music of the 17th century. Ordained priest, he spent the greater part of his life as director of music at the German College in Rome, an important Jesuit educational establishment.

Sacred and Secular Vocal Music

Carissimi’s many compositions include various works for church performance, Mass settings, cantatas and motets. Of particular interest are his Latin oratorios, important in the development of the genre. These include Baltazar (depicting Belshazzar’s Feast) and a graphic musical version of the story of Jephtha. His more dramatic compositions include a moving and topical Lament of the Queen of Scotland, written shortly after the execution of her grandson (the English and Scottish King, Charles I).