Although Vivaldi's Magnificat was written for a mixed ensemble, the performers on this album transposed the tenor and bass parts an octave up, as Vivaldi likely did for the all-female choir at the Ospedale della Pietà.
Composition History
This album presents an imagined celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrow, taking place at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice on September 15th, 1727.
Historical Context
The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, for which this music is imagined, has a long history dating back to the 15th century and was extended to the entire Roman Church by Pope Benedict XIII in 1727.
Interpretation
The performers chose a 'one-to-a-part' approach for both instrumental and vocal ensembles, reflecting the likelihood that the Ospedale della Pietà ensemble was not always full-sized, especially for less major occasions.
Recording & Production
The 'Amen' from Vivaldi's Stabat Mater is recorded twice on this album, once at a slow tempo and once at a fast tempo, to showcase its greatness.
Performer Biography
Jakub Burzyński, the artistic director and conductor of La Tempesta, founded the vocal and instrumental ensemble in 1998 to perform Renaissance and Baroque music on period instruments.
Interpretation
The recording includes an enlarged continuo section with theorbo, harpsichord, and organ, and percussion is added at points requiring strong expression.
