Palestrina Volume 2

Immerse yourself in the sacred and serene world of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina with "Palestrina Volume 2," a captivating collection of choral works that showcase the composer's mastery of Renaissance polyphony. Released on October 1, 2012, this album is a testament to Palestrina's enduring influence and the timeless beauty of his compositions.

The album opens with the joyous motet "Hodie Christus natus est," setting the tone for a journey through some of Palestrina's most celebrated works. The centerpiece of the album is the "Missa Hodie Christus natus est," a stunning mass that demonstrates Palestrina's ability to weave intricate vocal lines into a cohesive and harmonious whole. Each movement of the mass, from the contemplative "Kyrie" to the triumphant "Gloria," is performed with precision and passion by The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers.

In addition to the mass, the album features a selection of motets and settings from the Song of Songs, including the evocative "Osculetur me osculo oris sui" and "Trahe me post te." These pieces highlight Palestrina's skill in setting sacred texts to music, creating works that are both spiritually uplifting and musically engaging.

The album also includes the hauntingly beautiful "O magnum mysterium" and the contemplative "Videntes stellam Magi," both of which showcase Palestrina's ability to convey a sense of wonder and awe. The album concludes with the "Magnificat Quinti Toni," a stunning setting of the Magnificat text that showcases Palestrina's mastery of counterpoint.

With a duration of just over an hour, "Palestrina Volume 2" is a comprehensive introduction to the work of one of the most important composers of the Renaissance. Whether you're a seasoned fan of choral music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The album is released by Coro, a label known for its high-quality recordings of choral music. The album's duration is 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, born circa 1525 in the town of Palestrina near Rome, stands as one of the most influential composers of the late Renaissance period. As the central figure of the Roman School, alongside Orlande de Lassus and Tomás Luis de Victoria, Palestrina's compositions are celebrated for their intricate polyphony and emotional depth. His career began at the young age of 19 when he was appointed as an organist at the cathedral in Palestrina, a role he held until 1551. Throughout his life, Palestrina's work significantly shaped the course of Western classical music, earning him the title of the leading composer of late 16th-century Europe. His choral works, deeply rooted in the traditions of Gregorian chant and medieval music, continue to captivate audiences with their timeless beauty and technical mastery.