The Basilica of St Mark's unique architecture, with its Greek cross shape and five domes, greatly influenced the distinctive music composed for it.
Composer Biography
Giovanni Bassano, a cornett virtuoso and instrument maker at St Mark's, published an important ornamentation treatise in 1585, which is still a key source for improvised embellishments.
Historical Context
The Republic of Venice, where this music was composed, reached its political and economic peak in the 16th century, halting the Ottoman Empire's expansion in 1571.
Compositional Technique
The Venetian innovation of 'cori spezzati' (split choirs), where two choirs alternate and intermingle, was inspired by the Basilica's galleries and pioneered by Adrian Willaert.
Composer Biography
Giovanni Gabrieli, a standard-bearer of the Venetian School, experimented with the 'stile concertato' and influenced composers like Heinrich Schütz, who studied with him for four years.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in two locations: the Église Saint Martin de Hoff, Sarrebourg, Moselle (France) and the chiesa di Valvasone (Italy).
Historical Context
The Cappella ducale of St Mark's in Venice was the leading musical center in the city until the end of the 17th century, attracting many significant musicians.
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