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.
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