Gabrieli: Sonate e Canzoni "per concertar con l'organo"

Album Description

Dive into the rich tapestry of Renaissance polyphony with Giovanni Gabrieli's "Gabrieli: Sonate e Canzoni 'per concertar con l'organo'." This captivating album, released on November 6, 2007, under the Harmonia Mundi label, offers a stunning collection of instrumental works that showcase Gabrieli's mastery of the Venetian polychoral style.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, the album features a selection of canzoni and sonate from Gabrieli's seminal works, including "Sacrae Symphoniae" (1597) and "Canzoni e sonate" (1615). These compositions, performed with meticulous attention to historical detail, provide a vivid glimpse into the sonic landscape of late 16th and early 17th-century Venice.

The album opens with the intricate "Canzon septimi toni a 8" from "Sacrae Symphoniae," setting the stage for a journey through Gabrieli's innovative use of space, rhythm, and harmony. Highlights include the dynamic "Canzon VIII a 8" from "Canzoni e sonate," the contemplative "Ricercar del primo tono," and the grand "Canzon octavi toni a 12," which exemplifies Gabrieli's penchant for large-scale, multi-choir compositions.

Throughout the album, Gabrieli's ingenious use of echo effects and antiphonal techniques creates a sense of depth and movement, transporting the listener to the grand churches and palaces of Venice. The performances, led by Concerto Palatino and directed by Bruce Dickey and Charles Toot, are marked by their clarity, precision, and expressive depth, bringing Gabrieli's music to life with vivid immediacy.

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Renaissance music or a newcomer to the genre, "Gabrieli: Sonate e Canzoni 'per concertar con l'organo'" promises an enriching and enjoyable listening experience. This album is a testament to Giovanni Gabrieli's enduring legacy as one of the most influential composers of the late Renaissance period.

6 november 2007

2007 harmonia mundi s.a.

About Giovanni Gabrieli

Giovanni Gabrieli, born around 1554, was a pioneering Italian composer and organist whose work marked the transition from Renaissance to Baroque music. As a key figure of the Venetian School, Gabrieli's compositions are renowned for their grandeur and innovation, blending vocal and instrumental elements with masterful skill. Born into a family of modest means, Gabrieli's musical journey was shaped by his uncle, the esteemed composer Andrea Gabrieli, from whom he took his surname. By 1585, Gabrieli had secured prestigious roles as the organist at St Mark's Basilica and director of music at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, positions that allowed him to influence and inspire generations of musicians. His choral works, characterised by their antiphonal effects and rich textures, continue to captivate audiences and remain staples in the classical repertoire. Gabrieli's legacy endures as a testament to his enduring impact on Western music.