GIOVANNI CROCE: Missa sopra la Battaglia [CD de audio] Marco Gemmani, Capella Marciana and Giovanni Croce

Detailing many inspiring performances, this version celebrates the rich musical heritage of St. Mark's Basilica through a selection of liturgical works, all of which were written by composers employed at the cathedral during the 16th and 17th centuries. The version takes as its starting point Giovanni Croce, a Venetian who became chapelmaster in 1603 and who was greatly influenced by the ensemble's other composers, including Giovanni Bassano and Giovanni Gabrieli. Featuring elements from the Divine Office, such as Andrea Gabrieli's motet Angelus ad pastores (which would have followed the reading of a psalm) and Willaerts's O magnum mysterium (a responsory to be sung during Matins at Christmas), the compilation also documents excerpts from the Mass, including the Jubilate Deo of Giovanni Gabrieli. However, the greatest work is Croce's Missa sopra la battaglia (Battle Mass), composed in 1596 to honor the day of victory against the Ottoman Turks in 1571. Using several choirs, as well as a rich instrumental consort, the Croce Mass shows how richly developed music was in St. Mark's at the end of the 16th century. Its glorious traditions continue, as we can hear from the current St. Mark's choir and instrumentalists, Cappella Marciana.