Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Renaissance polyphony with "Motets for the Season of Christmas" by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. This exquisite collection, released on July 12, 2019, under the Pro Organo label, offers a serene and uplifting journey through the sacred music of the Christmas season. Spanning a full hour, this album is a testament to Palestrina's mastery of choral composition, blending Gregorian chant influences with intricate, harmonious arrangements.
The album features a rich tapestry of motets and masses, each piece meticulously crafted to evoke the spirit of the Christmas season. Highlights include the majestic "Hodie Christus natus est" and the contemplative "Stella quam viderant magi," showcasing Palestrina's ability to convey both grandeur and intimacy. The album also includes exquisite settings of the Mass, such as the "Missa o admirabile commercium à 5" and "Missa o magnum mysterium à 5," which demonstrate the composer's unparalleled skill in polyphonic writing.
"Motets for the Season of Christmas" is a celebration of the sacred and the sublime, offering a profound listening experience that transcends time. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises to enchant and inspire. The precise and resonant vocals, coupled with the historical significance of the compositions, make this a standout release in the choral repertoire.
2019 Pro Organo2019 Pro Organo
Tracks
Motettorum, liber 2: No. 20, Hierusalem, cito veniet salus tua - Ego enim sum DominusGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Offertoria: No. 2, Deus tu convertens vivificabis nosGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 2 (Excerpts): No. 19, Veni Domine et noli tardare - Excita DomineGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 2 (Excerpts): No. 10, Canite tuba in Sion -Rorate cœli desuperGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 3 (Excerpts): No. 20, Cum ortus fueritGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 3 (Excerpts): No. 32, Hodie Christus natus estGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Missarum, liber 8: No. 3, Missa o admirabile commercium à 5Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 2: No. 22, Sancta et immaculata Virginitas - Benedicta tuGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Missarum, liber 4: No. 7, Missa o magnum mysterium à 5Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 1: No. 2, Stella quam viderant magiGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Offertoria: No. 12, Reges Tarsis et insulæ munera offerentGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 5: No. 15, Rex MelchiorGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 3: No. 28, Surge illuminare HierusalemGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison