A Venetian Christmas New Year's Concert

Among them was Francesco Cavalli (1602–1676), once a choirboy, later organist and Kapellmeister at St. Mark's Basilica – and simultaneously one of the most successful opera composers of the 17th century. Around 1650, he wrote his magnificent Messa concertata for a festive occasion, which captures the aura of St. Mark's Basilica in both monumental and delicate moments.


Giovanni Gabrieli, church musician at St. Mark's since 1585, also used the cathedral's architecture as an "instrument," deploying distributed groups of instruments to create echo effects and dynamic contrasts. And, of course, a Venetian program cannot be complete without Claudio Monteverdi: For three decades, he shaped the musical life of St. Mark's Basilica, helped establish opera as a genre, and became an icon as an innovator of vocal music.


The RIAS Chamber Choir, the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, and Justin Doyle are reviving this glorious tradition and bringing Venetian sonic splendor to the Spree – a festive start to the new year.

Works

Francesco Cavalli
Messa Concertata
from: Musiche sacrae No. 1


Claudio Monteverdi
Cantata Domino
Motet Psalm 97, 95


Claudio Monteverdi
Gloria at 7
from: Selva Morale e Spirituale


Giovanni Gabrieli
Angelus ad pastores à 12


Giovanni Gabrieli
Hodie Christus natus is 8


Giovanni Gabrieli
O magnum mystery à 8


Giovanni Bassano
Laetatur caeli


CAST

• RIAS Chamber Choir
  
• Academy for Early Music Berlin
  
• Justin Doyle, conductor