Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina
By (artist) Gloriae Dei Cantores
$16.99
- ISBN: 9781557252401
- Trim size: 0 x 0 inches
- Weight: 3 ounces.
- Publication Date: 01 Mar 1992
- Product ID: G106
- Format: CD-Audio
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, hailed through the centuries as "prince and father of music," wrote music of unsurpassed grace and beauty.
Gloriæ Dei Cantores, under the direction of Elizabeth Patterson, presents eight sublime works by Italian composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestina. The rarely performed Missa Beata Mariæ Virginis II is heard here in its debut recording. Missa "Descendit Angelus Domini" is included on this recording, as well as five of his most exquisite motets. Super Flumina Babylonis, Ad Te levavi oculos meos, Miserere nostri Domine, Sicut cervus, and Sitivit anima mea, are performed by a smaller ensemble drawn from the larger choir, in accordance with the style and acoustic ambience of Palestrinian polyphony.
The recording closes with the eight-part Jubilate Deo for two choirs, a majestic conclusion to this disc originally recorded by Gloriæ Dei Cantores in 1993 in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Palestrina's death. This album contains the only existing recording of his Missa "Descendit Angelus Domini" and the Missa Beatae Mariae Virginis II.
"Even an atheist can be moved by the riches of this music, especially when so astounding in performance and recording. If we have ever had a finer Palestrina recording available, I've not heard it." In Tune Magazine
Gloriæ Dei Cantores, under the direction of Elizabeth Patterson, presents eight sublime works by Italian composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestina. The rarely performed Missa Beata Mariæ Virginis II is heard here in its debut recording. Missa "Descendit Angelus Domini" is included on this recording, as well as five of his most exquisite motets. Super Flumina Babylonis, Ad Te levavi oculos meos, Miserere nostri Domine, Sicut cervus, and Sitivit anima mea, are performed by a smaller ensemble drawn from the larger choir, in accordance with the style and acoustic ambience of Palestrinian polyphony.
The recording closes with the eight-part Jubilate Deo for two choirs, a majestic conclusion to this disc originally recorded by Gloriæ Dei Cantores in 1993 in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Palestrina's death. This album contains the only existing recording of his Missa "Descendit Angelus Domini" and the Missa Beatae Mariae Virginis II.
"Even an atheist can be moved by the riches of this music, especially when so astounding in performance and recording. If we have ever had a finer Palestrina recording available, I've not heard it." In Tune Magazine
Media
Reviews
"Imagine you are in one of the oldest and most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. Close your eyes and hear a Palestrina mass being sung. The counterpoint is balanced and serene; the sound is clear, each vocal line distinctly heard. Such is the impression left by the excellent sound reproduction for the group Gloriae Dei Cantores, conducted by Elizabeth Patterson....a fine, well-trained vocal sound. The purity of vowels combined with the tone of the voices provide a lovely effect. For that alone it is worth listening to this disc."
Choral Journal
"The trick to mastering counterpoint lies in mastering it completely...herein lies the glory of this magnificent, essential release. The balance of seriousness with humanity comes through as much as the balanced voices...Patterson clearly has genius in selecting just the right tempos and dynamics...serious, winning, and convincing. If we have ever had a finer Palestrina recording available, I've not heard it."
In Tune Magazine
Choral Journal
"The trick to mastering counterpoint lies in mastering it completely...herein lies the glory of this magnificent, essential release. The balance of seriousness with humanity comes through as much as the balanced voices...Patterson clearly has genius in selecting just the right tempos and dynamics...serious, winning, and convincing. If we have ever had a finer Palestrina recording available, I've not heard it."
In Tune Magazine
"They [Gloriae Dei Cantores]have demonstrated a polished musicality, combined with a versatile command of a wide-ranging repertoire of literature and styles...the richness and sonority is almost hypnotically beautiful. Palestrina was, after all, one of the great composers of music for grouped human voices, and there is no reason why we should not enjoy such luscious, expansive (yet stylistically sensitive) realizations of his music. Good notes; full texts and English translations. Alike to the Palestrina collector or the lover of wonderful choral sound, this release is warmly recommended."
American Record Guide
American Record Guide
"...this group deserves all the praise it gets for its recordings and international concert tours. It's a remarkable achievement. Recommended."
Fanfare
Fanfare
"...there is a depth of emotion these singers bring to their work that goes beyond mere professional performance practice. The freshness and immediacy here breathes life back into the veins of history. Truly beautiful singing."
Harmonia Early Music Newsletter
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