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.
Vinylscout