Gabrieli/Lassus: Venetian Easter Mass
Many people imagine the music of 17th century Venice was so fabulous that the great 16th century polyphonists were forgotten. Not so--particularly in the case of Masses. (Indeed, after arriving at San Marco, Monteverdi ordered copies of Masses by Palestrina and Lassus.) Paul McCreesh's Venetian reconstruction reflects this practice, adding motets and canzonas by the Gabrielis to Lassus'sMissa Congratulamini. Particularly interesting is the ceremony opening the service, where the Doge and the Archbishop reenact the arrival of the disciples at the empty sepulchre. (This is preceded by Andrea Gabrieli's gorgeous motet "Maria stabat ad monumentum.") The multiple-choir motets and sonatas are spectacular, especially "Dulcis Jesu" for two tenors and instruments, with a monumental entry for full choir near the end.--Matthew Westphal