Marcello: Requiem In The Venetian Manner

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the hauntingly beautiful and historically significant "Requiem in the Venetian Manner" by Benedetto Marcello, a Venetian contemporary of Vivaldi. This album, released in February 1999 by Chandos, marks the first-ever recording of Marcello's long-neglected masterpiece, originally composed in the early 18th century. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, the album is a testament to Marcello's prowess as a composer, showcasing his unique blend of Venetian musical traditions and the requiem form.

The album features a stellar cast of soloists, including sopranos Marisa Pugina and Barbara Zanichelli, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir. The requiem is structured in the traditional Latin Mass for the Dead, with movements such as "Introitus," "Sequentia," "Offertorium," and "Communio." Each section is meticulously crafted, demonstrating Marcello's deep understanding of the requiem genre and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from solemnity and reverence to profound sorrow and despair.

In addition to the requiem, the album also includes two organ sonatas and a motet, "Dulcis Jesu Mater cara," providing a comprehensive overview of Marcello's sacred music. The inclusion of these pieces highlights Marcello's versatility as a composer and his significant contributions to the Venetian musical landscape.

This recording is a rare opportunity to discover the work of a composer who, despite his prolific output, has been largely overshadowed by his more famous contemporaries. Benedetto Marcello's "Requiem in the Venetian Manner" is a powerful and moving work that deserves a place in the canon of classical music. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

1 februari 1999

1999 Chandos Records

About Benedetto Marcello

Benedetto Marcello, born into a noble Venetian family in 1686, was a multifaceted figure whose talents extended far beyond the realm of music. A prolific composer, Marcello is renowned for his fresh and original psalm settings, which gained widespread acclaim across Europe shortly after their publication in the 1720s. His compositions, including sonatas for cello and piano, and harpsichord sonatas, showcase his deep understanding of early 18th-century musical styles. Beyond his musical prowess, Marcello was also a writer, advocate, magistrate, and teacher, reflecting his diverse interests and intellectual curiosity. His legacy endures, inviting listeners to explore the rich tapestry of his work, from intimate chamber pieces to grand vocal settings.