Cavalli: Missa 1660

Experience the grandeur of the Baroque era with Francesco Cavalli's "Missa 1660," a monumental choral work commissioned to celebrate the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1660. This album, released on February 22, 2019, under the Château de Versailles Spectacles label, offers a stunning performance by the Galilei Consort, conducted by Benjamin Chénier.

Composed by one of the most renowned students of Claudio Monteverdi, Francesco Cavalli's "Missa 1660" is a sumptuous and intricate piece that showcases the composer's mastery of polyphony and counterpoint. The mass, originally performed in the Basilica of San Giovanni e Paolo in Venice, brings together the best voices and musicians of the time, featuring viols, violins, cornets, and trumpets in a spatial arrangement characteristic of the Venetian style.

The album spans 1 hour and 9 minutes, encompassing 13 tracks that include fanfares, sacred music, and vesper settings. Highlights include the majestic "Kyrie," the triumphant "Gloria," and the serene "Agnus Dei," each demonstrating Cavalli's ability to evoke a range of moods and textures. The inclusion of works like "Sacra Corona: O Bone Jesu" and "Vesperi: Laudate Jerusalem Dominum" adds depth and variety to the collection, making it a comprehensive exploration of Cavalli's sacred music.

"Missa 1660" is not just a historical artifact but a living testament to the enduring power of Baroque music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of choral works or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Immerse yourself in the opulence and sophistication of Cavalli's composition, and discover why his work continues to captivate audiences centuries later.

Francesco Cavalli, born in 1602 in the Venetian city of Crema, was a pivotal figure in the early Baroque period, renowned for his prolific and influential work in opera. As a pupil of the legendary Claudio Monteverdi, Cavalli succeeded his mentor as the leading opera composer of the mid-17th century. His career flourished in Venice, where he composed over thirty operas, many of which premiered in the city's pioneering theatres. Cavalli's most celebrated works include 'Ormindo' (1644), 'Giasone' (1649), and 'La Calisto' (1651), which continue to captivate audiences with their rich musical tapestry and dramatic depth. Beyond his operatic achievements, Cavalli's compositions span a broad range of genres, from sacred to secular music, reflecting his versatility and enduring impact on the Baroque era.