Musica Omnia presents the debut recording of Canadian vocal ensemble Capella Intima, under the direction of tenor and baroque guitarist Bud Roach, performing sacred canzonettas from the Oratory of San Filippo Neri in Chiavenna, attributed to Francesco Ratis (d. 1676), and published in Milan, 1657. This fascinating volume borrows freely from the most popular dances and melodies of the previous decades, applying sacred texts that align with the founder’s teachings, encouraging a personal relationship with the Divine. Clearly written with young people in mind, the texts are sensual in their images of spiritual ecstasy, and often tinged with humor in their varied descriptions of the sinner’s inevitable fate. This is the first complete recording of this little-known repertoire by Francesco Ratis, and it is performed here with original performance practice with Baroque guitar accompaniment.
