4. Extracts from musical ceremonies for the celebration of Hosha'na rabbah by the Zerizim fraternity (''the Nimble'') in Casale Monferrato 1732-1733

For soloists, choir and orchestra

The manuscript score, preserved in the Lenin Library, Moscow, was discovered in 1964 by M. Gorali. The recording includes extracts from the first part of the 1732 ceremony and a selection from the end of the cantata constituting the second part of the 1733 ceremony. In this cantata-quasi-oratorio there are three characters: Dio (God), Clemenza (the defender) and Rigore (the accuser). The plot, in accordance with the topical subject of the feast of Hosha'na rabbah, deals with the Day of Judgement. Rigore prosecutes Israel, Clemenza defends Israel, and even the Holy One blessed be He, intervenes. All these arguments are presented in a string of recitatives, arias and a duo. As the final chorus approaches, Clemenza gains the cause and even Rigore becomes resigned and accepts the "Opening of the Gates of Mercy" in good spirit.

An Italian version of the libretto ("Dio, Clemenza e Rigore") was appended to the manuscript of the ceremony of 1733.