The polyvocal and polychoral compositions of Andrea Gabrieli and Giovanni Gabrieli are characterized by their pursuit of grandeur, dynamic play of choral masses, and a sound rich in harmonics.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Andrea Gabrieli's motets and Masses broke away from the late-Flemish style and avoided imitating the madrigal, establishing an original and innovative structure that became a paradigm for Venetian composers.
Performer Biography
Marco Gemmani, the director of I Cantori di San Marco, has been the Kapellmeister at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice since 2000, leading continuous liturgical services and concerts.
Historical Context
Low Masses in St. Mark's Basilica, often attended by the Doge, were typically celebrated in a side chapel with minimal liturgical apparatus, but still required the choir to sing.
Performer Biography
I Cantori di San Marco, the ensemble on this recording, is directly linked to the historical Cantores Sancti Marci of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, aiming to recreate the synthesis of music, space, and sound.
Historical Context
In the late 16th century, particularly in Venice, sacred music saw a substantial increase in the number of vocal parts, with compositions reaching twenty or more voices.
Interpretation
The six- and seven-part motets on this album, due to their dense contrapuntal structure, were likely performed by a small group of singers, possibly one per part, rather than a large ensemble.
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