Venetian Polychoral Music

On this CD:

1. Work(s) Unspecified Dance movements in 5 parts
Composed by Salomone Rossi
Performed by Linde-Consort

2. Hor che la nuova e vago primavera, madrigal for 10 voices, S. x/43
Composed by Orlande de Lassus

3. La Leona, Canzona 19 a 8
Composed by Cesario Gussago
Performed by Linde-Consort

4. Canzoni (unclassified) Canzone, for 12 parts in 3 choirs
Composed by Giovanni Gabrieli
Performed by Linde-Consort

5. Dialogo de Chori d'Angell, sacred madrigal for 10 voices
Composed by Giovanni Croce

6. La Foccara, canzone for 8 parts in 2 choirs
Composed by Claudio Bramieri
Performed by Linde-Consort

7. Work(s)
Composed by Orlande de Lassus

8. Canzone No. 34, for 8 parts in 2 choirs
Composed by Tiburtio Massaino
Performed by Linde-Consort

9. O passai sparsi, madrigal for 12 voices
Composed by Andrea Gabrieli

10. Canzone, for 8 parts in 2 choirs
Composed by Giovanni Battista Grillo
Performed by Linde-Consort

11. Omnes gentes plaudite manibus, motet for 16 voices
Composed by Giovanni Gabrieli

Tracks:

Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Dulcis Jesu
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son Pian E Forte
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Jubilate Deo
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son a 14
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: O Jesu Mi Dulcissime
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Canzon
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Hic Est Filius Dei
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son Con Tre Violini
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Son a 22
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Miserere Me Deus - Gloria Patri
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Canzon In Echo Duodecimi Toni
Canzonas, Sonatas And Motets: Audite Principes

Tracks:

Intonationi D'Organo, 1593: Intonatione Del Nono Tono
Sacrae Symphoniae II, 1965: In Ecclesiis
Motetti In Lode D'Iddio Nostro Signore, 1620: Adoramus Te, Christe
Ghirlanda Sacra, 1625: O Quam Tu Pulchra Es
Sonate Concertate, Libro Secondo, 1629: Sonata Seconda
Arie De Diversi, 1624: Exulta, Filia Sion
Sonate, Libro Terzo, Op.8, 1663: Son Da Chiesa A 3, Op.8 No.8 'La Bevilaqua'
Crucifixus
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Recitativo: Coeli Repleti Iam Novo Splendore
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Aria: Nunc Jubilare
Clarae Stellae, Scintillate, RV625: Aria: Clarae Stellae, Scintillate: Alleluia
Crucifixus
Ghirlanda Sacra, 1625: Currite Populi
Montetti In Lode D'Iddio Nostro Signore, 1620: Christe, Adoramus Te
Canzoni Et Sonate, 1615: Canzon VIII
Berlin, Deutsche Staatsbibliothek, MS Lynar A1: Fuga Del Nono Tono
Sacrae Symphoniae II, 1615: Magnificat

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-04-01

Polychoral music-music written for several groups of musicians separated spatially-was not peculiar to Venice, but it was associated with the Basilica of San Marco and ceremonial events in the Venetian cultural calendar.
Chordal writing reached its peak in the polychoral works of Giovanni Gabrieli(1555-1612), the principal church composer in Italy of the progressive development. He not only increased the number of choirs to four and the total pitch range to over four octaves, but also juxtaposed passages of conventional rhythm with strikingly jagged suncopated motifs. These dramatic contrasts were further intensified by occasional chromatic harmony and unusual dissonances and, more significantly, by the use of instruments that alternated or combined with the voices. All of these traits are well demonstrated in the music on disc 1 of this set. His music is wonderfully exciting!!!!
Upon his death, Monteverdi succeeded him, and took his own direction musically; much different from Gabrielli. It is not just that their styles are different, but the instrumentation is much different as you will hear upon listening to disc 2.
Two subsequent directors of music represented here are Legrenzi and Lotti, both primarily opera composers.
Vivaldi had no direct connection with the basililca; he worked at the 'Pieta', and his motet 'Clarae stellae' was written for a 'Signora Gertruda, a singer who sang at the Pieta. This is one of the most attractive pieces on disc 2, and is often recorded by countertenors (altos)but on this disc is sung by Randi Stene, mezzo soprano, who sings it quite well. Andreas Scholl has recorded this, and I do personally prefer Scholl's countertenor quality for this particular piece.
Monteverdi's 'Currite populi' is another favorite of mine, and its excellently performed herein.
There is just so much to enjoy on these two discs for the early music lover. The instruments are very skillfully played and the styles of the various composers are adhered to all the time. The balance between the voices and the instruments is perfect as one might expect from Parrott's performers. The soloists: Emily van Evera (soprano), Randi Stene (mezzo) and Jeffrey Thomas (tenor) all sang with the correct emotional investment. Certainly worth listening to!!!!

A "Regular People" Review .......2007-01-09

Venetian Church Music?....never thought I'd be listening to that, anyway this music is for those who seek it out, If thats not you this probably won't interest you (but you can try some renaissance/baroque experimental listening to see if you'd like it!). If your into this though, this is a good deal.

exceptional tone quality.......2006-03-28

When I purchased this recording, I had not yet had the pleasure of owning an Andrew Parrott/Taverner Consort recording. I was so impressed! Andrew really excercises an understanding of this genre, an understanding that I haven't often seen. In particular I was quite pleased with this rendintion of Gabrieli's "In ecclesiis" (although the Bass, I don't know his name, is too lacking in volume). Other than that, I just adore this CD set. I also recommend Andrew Parrot for anything predating Bach (*not including Bach!). There is a 5 CD of particular interest and quality called "From Monteverdi to Vivaldi" by this same ensemble that you might consider purchasing instead of this set (almost exact same price, and one of the CDs- the better of the two in this set- is included in the 5CD set).

The Fabulous Andrew Parrott.......2005-08-04

Who else but Andrew Parrott?! The fabulous adventurer in the field of early music, Parrott has time and again unearthed unknown masterpieces, shedding light on their original luster through a keen sense of the historical settings, employment of the proper historic instruments & period vocal style, and his own inspired musicianship. Throughout the 2nd half of the 20th century music lovers like me knew the works of Gabrieli through the appropriations by well-meaning ensembles of modern brass instruments: Chicago Symphony Brass, Canadian Brass, etc. Parrott has been the first to perform and record many of these works with early 17th century instruments, providing a restored sonic image for the 21st century connoisseur. Bravo! Encore, please!

Fabulous introduction to Venetian sacred music.......2003-07-24

This fantastic collection of music is probably one of the best introductions to Venetian Baroque (early to late) on offer.
The first disc, devoted to Giovanni Gabrieli, is nothing short of amazing. Cornetts, Baroque violins, tenor cornetts, sackbuts and multiple organs (try the first track - the huge Dulcis Jesu patris imago à 20 voci) can be heard on this disc and they are all played with great panache, style and, most importantly, expression. I bought both of these discs when they were issued on EMI Reflex over ten years ago - and I have never stopped loving these magnificent and colourful performances.

If you want only one recording of Giovanni Gabrieli's music - then this might be the one for you! The other might be the Gabrieli Consort's 'A Venetian Coronation'? (if you want two Gabrieli recordings in your collection!)

The second disc contains a very tasty selection of music by Legrenzi, Monteverdi, Vivaldi and, again, Giovanni Gabrieli (the star of the show!).

Tracks:

Lauda Jerusalem Dominum - WILLAERT/GABRIELI
Crededi, propter quod locutus sum - WILLAERT/GABRIELI
Ricercar X - WILLAERT/GABRIELI
In te Domine Speravi
Beata es Virgo
Beata es virgo
Sancta et immaculata virginitas
Angelus Domini
O Jesu mi dulcissime
Canzon III
Exultavit cor meum, in Domino
Sancta et immaculata virginitas
O Jesu mi dulcissime
Benedictus es Dominus, Deus Israel
O quam suavis est, Domine, Spiritus
Hodie completi sunt dies Pentecostes

Customer Reviews:

Simply superb music.......2005-11-01

I bought this recording twelve years ago and it is a great pleasure to recommend it to you now. The performances of all the music on this incredible CD are beautiful, expressive and sublime.

The music on this recording has an "inner glow". This is the music one will hear in heaven - one can only hope!

The recording features the Currende vocal ensemble and the cornetts and trombones of Concerto Palatino with Mr. Herman Stinders playing the basso continuo on the organ. Mr. Erik Van Nevel directs the ensembles.

The music of Giovanni Gabrieli is played with great style and beauty. It was often in his straight-forward music for double choir in so many of his motets that his genius burned so brightly. All his works are masterpieces, as you know! However, I was very interested in the works of Adriaan Willaert, the pioneer of the Venetian polychoral style, on this recording (I guess most of you have read about Willaert in music history books?). I was not disappointed. Willaert's music is very beautiful and expressive, and often has an almost dream-like quality. Beautiful (there's that word again!), poised, elegant, sober, and yet, profoundly expressive music.

As I said, I bought this CD in 1993 and I have never grown tired of hearing it. I am listening to it now as I write this review. I only wish the same forces had produced a CD devoted entirely to the music of Willaert. Willaert, like Gabrieli, was a genius, and yet, his music remains a great mystery to most music lovers (me included - even though I have sung and played his music on my cornetto muto).

This pleasing, expressive and stylish CD deserves a place in your collection, if you REALLY love music. Prepare to swoon!

Average customer rating:

Andrea and Giovanni
This CD won several awards
Venetian Coronation CD
Wow! This is the best I've heard Gabrieli
5 stars doesn't do this recording justice

A Venetian Coronation 1595

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Gabrieli · Monteverdi · Vivaldi - Venetian Church Music / Taverner Consort, Choir & Players · Andrew Parrott
Giovanni Gabrieli: Music For San Rocco
Gabrieli: The Canzonas and Sonatas from Sacrae Symphoniae 1597
Mass for Christmas Morning
Venetian Music for Double Choir

ASIN: B00000DNTZ
Release Date: 2002-12-23

Tracks:

Bells
Intonazione Ottavo Tono
Canzona
Introit
Son 333
Toccata 1
Intonazione Primo Tono
Kyrie
Christe
Kyrie
Gloria
Collect
Intonazione Terzo
Epistle
Canzona
Gospel
Intonazione Settimo Tono
Offertory: Deus Qui Beatum Marcum
Preface
Sanctus & Benedictus
Fanfare Sarasinetta
Son
Pater Noster
Canzona
Intonzione Quinto Tono
Communion: O Sacrum Convivium
Postcommunion
Benedictus Dominus Deus Sabaoth
Motet: Omnes Gentes

Customer Reviews:

Andrea and Giovanni.......2007-05-10

I can only say "ditto" to all the previous reviews. This recording has to be the best one of Andrea's works, which are all too rarely performed. Love the strong, low-register, at-times-blasting brass! Surely this is how the Gabrieli's intended the music. It makes the hair stand up on the back of one's neck! McCreesh's dynamic's instincts are spot-on and are a dramatic departure from his previous efforts. I cannot praise this CD enough.....

This CD won several awards .......2007-03-24

The other reviews here are spot on and i agree! This is a very special disc.
May i also add that it was awarded Record of the Year 1990 by ABC-FM Stereo
here in Australia and Gramophone (UK) 1990 Early Music Award.
I also suggest looking at abcshop dot com dot au for a superb selection of High quality classical music most of which is produced in Oz and not seen in huge quantities overseas. Amazon does have a few also. Type in ABC Classics
and browse through the selection.

Venetian Coronation CD.......2007-01-09

The item arrived in a good time and was well packed and in excellent condition. It was less than ordering it elsewhere. I learned of the music on PBS radio and was enchanted by it. Having a copy is a joy.

Wow! This is the best I've heard Gabrieli.......2005-01-19

The performance of Giovanni and Andrea Gabrieli is quite amazing. The acoustical effects of brass, organ and voices bouncing of the walls in natural stereophonic sound is really beyond description. A good mix of brass ensemble, vocals, organ and gregorian chant. I had not listened much to Andrea Gabrieli before I bought this CD and I have to admit that his contributions to this CD are very powerful.

The "omnes" at the end of the cd has extraordinary musical power. It builds to an amazing climax that has caused many a chill to go up my spine. On a personal note, I listened to this song on my way to see my alzheimer's stricken mother who had died just moments earlier. The finale to this CD represents the finale to my mother's life to me and will always be an important piece of music to my soul. I truly love this cd.

5 stars doesn't do this recording justice.......2004-12-28

There is little to say about this superlative recording that hasn't been said before. It represents the high point of the recording career of Paul McCreesh and his Gabrieli Consort and Players. This recording happens to be one of the best recordings of the music of Giovanni and Andrea Gabrieli available.

If you only ever buy one recording of Gabrieli's music, make it this one. There are a few good recordings of Gabrieli's music but none are better that 'A Venetian Coronation'. The recording 'Venetian Church Music', by the Taverner Consort & Players, is similar in quality to 'A Venetian Coronation', only Andrew Parrott did not choose to present the music as a recreation of an event.

The cornetts, Baroque violins, Baroque trombones and organs are all played with great style and panache in this recording. The choir features men's voices - from soprano to bass, and the sound blends beautifully with the cornetts and sackbuts.

Listen to 'Deus qui beatum Marcum' and you'll buy this recording.

This recording was a miracle and a wonder in its time and it is still the most impressive recording of its kind.

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
Very enjoyable recording of the music McCreesh does best
Christmas Eve in San Marco, Venice
Better than gold...
Tarnished gold

Venetian Christmas

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

A Venetian Coronation 1595
Mass for Christmas Morning
Giovanni Gabrieli: Music For San Rocco
Victoria: Requiem - Officium defunctorum (1605) / McCreesh, Gabrieli Consort
Schütz: Christmas Vespers / McCreesh, Gabrieli Consort and Players

ASIN: B00005ONMM
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Intonazione Dell'undecimo Tono, C 249
Audite Principes A 16, C 123: Coro I/Coro II/Coro III
Introitus
Kyrie
Gloria
Oratio
Prophetia
Epistola
Canzon Noni Toni A 12, C 183
Evangelium
Credo
Intonazione Del Settimo Tono, C 245
Salvator Noster A 15, C 80: Coro I/Coro II/Coro III
Praefatio
Sanctus
Toccata
O Jesu Mi Dulcissime A 8, C56: Coro I/Coro II
Pater Noster
Agnus Dei
Canzon Duodecimi Toni (No.3) A 10, C179: Coro I/Coro II
Postcommunio - Benedictio
Quem Vidistis Pastores, After C 77: Coro I/Coro II/Coro III

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-11-27

For the Doge and the Venetian nobility, Christmas Eve began with a series of attendances in the Basilica that were celebrated with great ceremony. Two hours before sunset, the Doge and the privileged political advisers came to San Marco, where they heard Vespers celebrated by a large group of musicians, vocal and instrumental; the musical settings were in 8,10,12 and 16 parts. As soon as Matins concluded, about 2 hours after Sunset, the first Mass of Christmas began. As it began, the Doge ,resplendent in the insignia of his office, left his throne, and accompanied by the papal Legate, knelt on the first step in front of the High Altar to respond to the Legate's Confession. This distinctly Venetian symbiosis of religion and politics is epitomized in the first motet 'Audite principes'. Gabrieli's musical style in this motet makes use of a declamatory solo voice with supporting instruments, soon combining in an eloquent 16 part Tutti
Cypriano de Rore's setting of the Mass Ordinary is a parody of Josquin's famous 6-part motet'Praeter rerum serium',which celebrates the miracle of the birth of God in human form by the untainted Virgin Mother. To Josquin's 6-part texture Rore adds a seventh part. The result reflects Rore's command of traditional compositional techniques.
There is a great deal of clarifying information in the accompanying materials with the CD; it would be well for the listener to read it, as it is not particularly lengthy and easily comprehended.
Paul McCreesh is one of the most talented directors in the field of early music ,and along with his Gabrielli Consort & Players , has gained an international reputation. One of the things he has done that has gained him critical acclaim ,is to recreate spectacular historic events, such as this CD "First Mass of Christmas in St. Mark's".
This is truly a fine recording, and the first time I HEARD it, I simply listened and it was so beautiful!!Then, finally, I read about it,and it became even more meaningful. The singing is exquisitely etheral; perfect diction-perfect balance -chock full of emotional content. The accompanying instruments are played skillfully and provide not only accompaniments, but inspiring solo passages.
All you early music lovers, don't miss this one!!!!

Very enjoyable recording of the music McCreesh does best.......2006-08-14

An excellent CD of Venetian Christmas music. The Missa "Præter rerum serium" by Cipriano de Rore is excellent. The works of Gabrieli are good, too. Nice to have new recordings of Salvator noster and Audite principes!

The use of tenor cornetts on this recording was a highlight for me. I bought one a few years ago, and it is nice to hear them so well played here.

The arrangement of Quem vidistis pastores is interesting. Hugh Keyte has certainly filled the score out. However, I have never found the score as it stands inadequate.

Anyway, a wonderful Christmas album and one to enjoy all year round.

Christmas Eve in San Marco, Venice.......2005-10-12

On the scale of favorite music for the Christmas Season for this listener it is often a toss up among Britten's 'A Ceremony of Carols', carols form the Kings College Chapel, and music composed for the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. This recording by the Gabrieli Consort and Players conducted by Paul McCreesh is about as authentic as they come. The works are by Giovanni Gabrieli and Cipriano de Rore (with one organ Toccata improvised after Girolamo Frescobaldi by Timothy Roberts) but the majority of the music is Gregorian Chant. The listener is transported to the vast spaces of San Marco which not only adds a holy resonance to the chants but also provides the perfect response time and setting for the polyphony of the Gabrieli works.

Performed on ancient instruments and organ, the recording captures all the mystery and candlelit hush of the period. The singing by the Gabrieli Singers is exceptionally fine. There may be more interesting works by Gabrieli on other recordings, but for creating a Venetian Christmas Eve Mass mood, few other recordings can top this one. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

Better than gold..........2004-02-07

Don't listen to the music experts and their hair-splitting arguments: as a lover of Renaissance music I can tell you that this more than 80 minutes long recording by an all-male choir is simply wonderful and gives you the best of Western sacred music: virile Gregorian chant, exuberant but still deeply religious Late Medieval polyphony a la Desprez by Cipriano Rore and Italian Baroque by Giovanni Gabrieli, which is more mundane in tone but nevertheless very beautiful.

There is a striking but beautiful contrast between the low, almost cavernous plainchant resonating under the church vaults-the performance was recorded in a Northumbrian priory-and the high triumphant tones of the Renaissance contrapuntal pieces in which male altos play a prominent role. Short but gorgeous instrumental pieces alternate with chant and psalmody.

Psalmody? Yes, contrary to most Mass cds, this one contains not only the usual sequence of Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Agnus but also all the Latin readings sung on a very simple melody (the text and the translation are available in the accompanyng booklet, thank God!): the Epistle, the Gospel, the Eucharist prayers, etc.

The psalmody, specially the rather long Gospel reading, may sound monotonous at first but you will quickly get used to it and it will provide a welcome interlude during which your ears can take a rest and recover from the all powerful, almost overwhelming stimuli of polyphonic chant.

The reconstruction does not omit any detail: at the sacred moment of consecration, for example, when the priest invokes in a low voice the power of the Holy Spirit to come on the bread and wine, you hear the tremedously stirring sound of cathedral bells accompanied by the organ.

The traditional Mass chants by Rore with high-pitched countertenors (male altos) are stunningly beautiful and are the highlight of this cd. They are imitations (parodies) of Desprez's style but this does not mean that they are inferior in quality. If anything, they are more brilliant since they feature seven voices, instead of just six. The Sanctus is simply not of this world! If you like Desprez and Ockeghem, you will be thrilled by Rore.

The whole atmosphere of the performance is one of dignified exultation, as befits a real liturgy... Not a single atom of gloominess as one reviewer below said but if you are looking for ligt music you will not find it here. This is San Marco and majesty is the key note.

I cannot imagine a better cd in this kind of music.

Tarnished gold.......2003-01-24

I find myself agreeing more or less with the last reviwer regarding this CD. There has been a tendency with the Gabrieli Singers towards a certain roughness and lack of "line", which is again demonstrated on this recording. The first couple of recordings of Venetian liturgy were superb (Venetian Coronation and Venetian Easter Mass), but I wonder if they are becoming complacent.

As mentioned before, there is a lack of real "atmosphere" which marks those two aforementioned earlier discs as outstanding (and which also makes their Prateorius and Sheppard recordings stand out).

Obviously this group are still at the very top of the league when it comes to this repertoire, but the fact that we know what they can do when at their very best means only 4/5 for this release.

Tracks:

A.Gabrieli:Ricercar del duodecimo tuono
G.Guami:Canzone 6
C.Merulo del Correggio:Canzon vigesima terza a 5
A.Gabrieli:Ricercar del sesto tuono
C.Antegnati:Canzon vigesima (La Moranda)
C.Antegnati:Canzon 9 (La Battera)
G.Frescobaldi:Canzon vigesima prima a 5
G.Gabrieli:Canzon Seconda
G.Guami:Canzon vigesimaquarta a 8
B.Chilese:Canzon trigesimaseconda
O.Bartolino:Canzon trigesima a 8
P.Lappi:Canzon 26 (La Negrona)
G.Gabrieli:Canzon vigesimaottava
G.Frescobaldi:Canzon vigesimanona a 8
Sacco:Psalm 13, How Long Wilt Thou Forget Me, O Lord?
Sacco:Psalm 18, The Sorrows of Death Compassed Me
Sacco:Psalm 83, Keep Not Thou Silence, O God

Product Description

The Venetian Brass Album. Members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony Brass sections. Four, five, and eight part music by Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli, Guami, Correggio, Antegnati, Frescobaldi, Chilese, Bartolino, and Lappi. Special bonus work: Peter Sacco, Three Psalms for Brass Quintet and Tenor Voice. Music of the 16th century lends itself very well to brass ensembles. This recording, originally released on LP in 1978, features some of the best brass players around at that time. Most of these players, including Thomas Stevens, Malcolm McNab, Miles Anderson, Jeffrey Reynolds, and Roger Bobo have become icons of excellence in the brass world.

Cori Spezzati: Venetian Polychoral Music [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Cori Spezzati: Venetian Polychoral Music [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Brilliant
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chansons | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00011OQFI

Average customer rating:

Gabrieli's Music for Brass Superbly Performed
World's Best Brass Album

Venetian Brass Music

Manufacturer: Wallace Collection
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Canzon Duodecimi Toni
Son Pian' E Forte
Son XVIII
Son XIX
Canzon Noni Toni
Canzon VII
Ricecar Del Duodecimo Tuono
La Spiritata
Sinf 'La Bergamasca'
Canzon X
Canzon Terzadecima
Canzon XV
Canzon XVI
Sinf 'La Padovana'
Canzon Septimi Octavi Toni
Canzon XII
Canzon Primi Toni
Sonata XX

Customer Reviews:

Gabrieli's Music for Brass Superbly Performed .......2005-09-12

The spiritual thrill of hearing antiphonal music in Venice's St. Mark's cathedral was once a delight afforded only a few lucky visitors to Venice. With this absolutely superb recording that pleasure is now available to all. The works of this aptly titled CD, VENETIAN BRASS MUSIC, are primarily those of Giovanni Gabrieli whose stature among music historians is the gold standard for this musical form. But in addition to Gabrieli there are works by Girolamo Frescobaldi, Lodovico Viadana, and Andrea Gabrieli, each of which is well worth inclusion.

The performances are by The Wallace Collection, featuring trumpeter John Wallace, as led by Simon Wright. While there are numerous recordings of music for brass instruments by some very fine ensembles, this recording seems to capture the ambience and the spirit of the music better than all the rest. The works range from rather simple (4 parts) to extremely complex works (for 8, 10, 12, 22 parts!). And the glory of this selection of pieces is that they never sound repetitive. This is a recording worthy of the highest praise and as fine a recital (in as fine a hall!) as is available on recordings. Very highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 05

World's Best Brass Album.......2003-04-27

Most of the pieces are composed by Giovanni Gabrieli, but Andrea Gabrieli, Viadana, and Frescobaldi are also represented. The instrumentation is trumpets and trombones, although violins may have been added sometimes in Gabrieli's time. A number of them are for two brass choirs, and the last one, Giovianni Gabrieli's gorgeous Sonata XX is performed by five brass choirs. If one uses an Ambisonic decoder (Ambisonic is a multi-channel format using a single point microphone), I presume the sound would be spectacular, but it is certainly superb in stereo.

The Wallace Collection was founded by John Wallace, who is himself quite a trumpet virtuoso. They made a series of fine brass recordings for the Nimbus label, and now that Nimbus has gone under, they are fortunately available on the Wallace Collection label. Wallace and The Wallace Collection have also done a number of very fine brass concerto recordings with the Philharmonia Orchestra, again always played with a marvelous sense of style. The recording quality is always at least very good, often excellent, very spacious and with lots of ambience even in stereo, as one would expect with Ambisonic recordings. This CD is my favorite of them all.

A number of excellent brass groups have recorded some of the same material by the Gabrieli's and other Renaissance composers, including The Canadian Brass (which has done some of the same sort of material with brass of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Berlin Philharmonic), The Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble, Edward Tarr Brass Ensemble, London Symphony Brass, and so on. None I have heard seems to have the same verve and sense of style. In this material, anyway, The Wallace Collection under conductor Simon Wright, simply plays rings around them. The performances are uniformly idiomatic, well accented and never dull.

This is a really enjoyable disc, lots of fun, and played at lower levels, it also can be very relaxing.

P. S.