The double-choir pieces on this album were composed for the Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna, a church so large that a four-part setting was insufficient for a full sound.
Instruments
The Basilica of San Petronio, where Cossoni's double-choir works were performed, features two of Italy's oldest organs, dating from 1596 and between 1471-1475.
Recording & Production
This recording uses a source for the eight-part psalm Laudate, pueri, Dominum from the Diocesan Library at Münster, which required adding specific note values to the melody.
Performer Biography
The Kesselberg Ensemble, founded by Latvian musicians, is dedicated to reviving the music of Johann Gottfried Müthel, J.S. Bach's last pupil, and other Latvian and rediscovered Swiss Baroque composers like Cossoni.
Composer Biography
Carlo Donato Cossoni (1623-1700) was born into a family of musicians in Gravedona, Italy, and became an organist and priest by 1650.
Composition History
Cossoni bequeathed 54 sacred works to the Benedictine abbey of Einsiedeln, which were added to its library after his death in 1700.
Historical Context
Cossoni's music was performed in Einsiedeln Abbey on feast days and weekdays until 1853, with pieces often adapted to suit the performance space and available singers.
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