Rossi / Un Peccator Pentito

First released in 1982, this classic recording from William Christie and his ensemble Les Arts Florissants features a pair of oratorios written by Luigi Rossi. Both of the oratorios on this recording are based on penitential texts written by the Roman poet Giovanni Lotti, a contemporary of Rossi. The text of Un peccator pentito consists mostly of the words of a penitent sinner, expressing his agony at having rejected God and his desire for, yet despair of, God's forgiveness. The text of the other oratorio, O Cecita del misero mortale, is an exhortation for mortals to repent and return to God.