This recording includes three previously unknown works by Monteverdi, recently identified by musicologist Luigi Collarile, which are recorded here for the first time.
Historical Context
The Palatine Basilica of Santa Barbara, where this album was recorded, was built starting in the late 1560s as a dynastic temple for the Gonzaga family and had extraordinary papal privileges, including its own rite.
Composition History
The 1610 Mass and Vespers by Monteverdi carried a double dedication to both the Virgin Mary and Pope Paul V, with Monteverdi later presenting a copy to the Pope in Rome.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in the Palatine Basilica of Santa Barbara in Mantua, Italy, using the West gallery and two cantorie, one of which preserves the original 1565 Antegnati organ.
Composer Biography
Claudio Monteverdi, the composer of the Mass on this album, was an instrumentalist at the Gonzaga court in Mantua around 1590 but was never appointed maestro at Santa Barbara.
Compositional Technique
The Missa In illo tempore by Monteverdi demonstrates his mastery of the 'prima prattica' style, using a dense, imitative texture based on motifs from a motet by Nicolas Gombert.
Composition History
Monteverdi's 1610 Mass and Vespers publication, which includes the Missa In illo tempore on this album, was likely prompted by his lack of published sacred music for 27 years.
