In 1765, the cappella ducale (ducal chapel) at San Marco underwent a significant reform, restructuring positions and pensioning off many musicians, resulting in a specific ensemble size and instrumentation.
Historical Context
Until 1797, San Marco Cathedral in Venice was the state church, where Christmas was celebrated with a unique Patriarchal Rite, distinct from the Roman Rite.
Interpretation
The Dresdner Instrumental-Concert, founded in 1995, performs on period instruments in an authentic style, focusing on the musical treasures of Dresden's history.
Composer Biography
Baldassare Galuppi, a composer born on the island of Burano (hence 'il Buranello'), achieved great success with both his serious and comic operas, and was considered more famous than Vivaldi during his lifetime.
Composition History
Baldassare Galuppi composed his 1767 Christmas Mass for San Marco from Moscow, where he was serving as court conductor and composer for Catherine II of Russia.
Compositional Technique
In 18th-century San Marco, the maestro di cappella (chapel master) composed the 'Gloria' and 'Credo' for masses, while the first organist composed the 'Kyrie', a practice that highlighted the organist's importance as a potential successor.
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