SE06 EP12 - The Final Flowering of Late Renaissance Venetian Choral Music - with Charles Cole and the London Oratory Schola
May 14, 2024
auto_awesome
Charles Cole discusses the impact of Venetian music on sacred choral music in the late Renaissance period and the music scene in Venice at St. Mark's Basilica. They explore the legacy of composers like Gabrielli and Bassano, the craftsmanship in Venice, and upcoming tours for the Palestrina 500 Festival.
Late Renaissance Venetian choral music flourished at St. Mark's Basilica, influenced by diverse composers.
Transition from Prima Pratica to Seconda Pratica era marked by blend of polyphony and harmonic styles.
Deep dives
Exploring the Music Scene in Venice in the Late 16th Century
Discussing the recent album release, 'Sacred Treasures of Venice,' the podcast delves into the vibrant music scene of late 16th-century Venice. Focusing on composers like Andrea and Giovanni Gabrielli, Giovanni Bassano, and Giovanni Croche, the episode highlights the diverse musical landscape and the influence of powerful city-states on the development of music.
Venice as a Cultural and Musical Hub
Venice's rich cultural heritage and its status as a merchant center played a pivotal role in shaping its musical legacy. With influences from trade, wealth, and key figures like Saint Mark, Venice emerged as a powerful spiritual and political center that fostered the creation of magnificent music, particularly centered around Saint Mark's liturgies.
Transition from Prima Pratica to Seconda Pratica
The transition from the Prima Pratica to the Seconda Pratica era marked a significant shift in musical styles. Described as the 'stile antico' and 'stile moderno,' this period indicated a clear acknowledgment among composers like Monteverdi of transitioning between eras, blending sophisticated polyphony with a more concerted style driven by harmony and secular influences.
A Closer Look at Giovanni Gabrielli and Andrea Gabrielli
The podcast sheds light on the musical contributions of uncle-and-nephew composers Andrea and Giovanni Gabrielli. While Giovanni is more renowned, Andrea's influence on the younger Gabrielli is noted. Andrea's detailed approach to setting text to music distinguishes his compositions, while Giovanni's work showcases more sophisticated harmonies, hinting at the evolution towards the Baroque style.
Charles Cole joins us with clips from the recent release of the London Oratory Schola's album, Sacred Treasures of Venice. We discuss the crucial role played by Venetian music in the history of sacred choral music, and the particularly fertile atmosphere at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice at the end of the 16th century.