Ensemble Profeti Della Quinta was founded in the Galilee region of Israel by Elam Rotem, also a harpsichordist, while still in high-school. From its inception in 2003 it has focused on sacred and secular 16th-century a-cappella repertoire. Its members, both singers and instrumentalists, specialize in the performance of music from the 16th and 17th centuries. Collectively they bring expressive and virtuosic performances, as the performance practice of the time requests.
Recently the Ensemble recorded a disc of Salamone Rossi's instrumental and Hebrew-vocal music in collaboration with Ensemble Muscadin (Switzerland). For this project, the native Hebrew-speaking ensemble uniquely offers an unmediated grasp of the text and the historically peculiar style of Rossi's Hashirim Asher Lish'lomo (The Songs of Solomon). True to the original intention of the composer, the vocal works are sung by male soloists, from scores prepared specifically for this project from the original manuscripts.
Programs
1. By the Rivers of Babylon - music by Salomone Rossi (c. 1570 - 1630): The program portrays the composer by highlighting the variety of his musical output comprising Italian madrigals and instrumental music as well as unique Hebrew-texted music for the Synagogue.
2. THE LAMENTATIONS AND RESPONSORIES, 1600 - Emilio de' Cavalieri (c.1550-1602): The expressive setting of the beautiful and dark biblical text of the Lamentations will shock even modern listeners. The work combines the old and new styles: beautiful and complex polyphonic sections alternating with highly expressive monodies and duets.
Audio Samples from S.Rossi's Hashirim Asher Lish'lomo
1. Lamnatseah 'al Haggittit - psalm 8 (a 5)
2. Yitgadal veyitkadash - full Kaddish (a 5)
Video Sample from Cavalieri's Lamentations and Responsories - 1600
1. From the Third Lesson of Holy Tuesday - Caph:
Reviews
Toccata Alte Musik Actuel (H.44 2009): CD of the month!
"Die fünf Quint-Propheten bestechen in ihrer Vokalausführung. Die zwei Countertenöre, zwei Tenöre und der Bass und Ensemblechef Elam Rotem verblüffen mit einer blitzsauberen und hochmusikalischen Darbietung, der man absoluten Respekt zollen muss!" (Robert Strobl). read the full article here
