The result of three years of scholarly research, this recording features a generous helping of medieval Italian instrumental dances, as well as early Italian-language spiritual and processional songs, lush choral motets from the Venetian School, and soaring plainchant written in honor of one history's most beloved saints.
A beautiful example of these monophonic laude is "Sia Laudato San Francesco," which focuses on the Saint's holiness and miracles. This anonymous work from the 13th-century features the women of The Rose Ensemble accompanied by Ginna Watson on vielle and Isacco Colombo on recorder.
Founded in 1996 by Artistic Director Jordan Sramek, The Rose Ensemble has achieved an international reputation as a premiere American early music ensemble. Each performance illuminates centuries of rarely heard repertoire, bringing to modern audiences research from the world's manuscript libraries and fresh perspectives on history, culture, politics and spirituality from around the globe. With ten critically acclaimed recordings and a diverse selection of concert programs, the group has thrilled audiences across the United States and Europe with repertoire spanning 1,000 years and over 25 languages.
Sr. Kathleen Murphy, OSF reflected, "The sounds of the medieval age are a thing of beauty. The word purity kept coming to mind. The sound is unadorned with instruments or frilly melody. Such purity also speaks to me of the life and spirit of Francis."
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serve in Catholic Health Care, Education, Parishes and Campus Ministry outreach in the Southwest, Central and Upper Midwest United States. Learn more about the Franciscan Sisters' latest ministries and vocations at http://franciscanizedworld.fscc-calledtobe.org
Are you a Discerning Catholic Woman? Join us and other women for our Fall Discernment of Spirits Retreats and Vocation Conversations.
