In collaboration with Voces Suaves vocal ensemble: 10 singers Voces Suaves 7 musicians Concerto Scirocco – violin, cornetto, 2 sackbuts, dulcian, violone, organ
Venice, July 1603: Giovanni Croce, known as ‘ilChiozzotto’, a priest at the church of Santa Maria Formosa, was appointed maestro di cappella of St Mark’s basilica, one of the most prestigious posts in the musical world of the time. A controversial biography, many aspects of which have not yet been elucidated, and a musical output of excellent quality constitute the appeal of this composer born in Chioggia, who is still overshadowed today by his famous successors. Yet Giovanni Croce proves to be an extraordinary figure, halfway between the conservative Venetian school of Gioseffo Zarlino and the modernism of Claudio Monteverdi. He makes masterly use of double chorus and of such special devices as echo effects, while maintaining a fine transparency in his counterpoint that links him with classical polyphony. The vocal ensemble Voces Suaves and ConcertoScirocco, combine here to honour Giovanni Croce and some of his contemporaries, introducing us to other aspects of the glorious musical activity at St Mark’s.
Giovanni Croce (1557-1609) Omnes Gentes
Giovanni Picchi (c.a 1571-1643) Canzon decimaquarta
Giovanni Croce Anima mealiquefacta est
Percussit Saul
Vincenzo Bell’Haver (c.a 1540-1587) Toccata
Giovanni Croce Egredimini etvidete
Giovanni Gabrieli (1557-1612) Canzon Terza
Giovanni Croce Ornaverunt faciem templi
Andrea Gabrieli (c.a 1553-1585) Canzon ariosa
Giovanni Croce Ave virgo sponsa Dei
Giovanni Gabrieli Canzon terza
Giovanni Croce Virgo decus nemorum
Gioseffo Guami (1542-1611) Canzon settimadecima
Giovanni Croce Hodie completi sunt
Claudio Merulo (1533-1604) Toccata terza
Giovanni Croce Quaeramus cum pastoribus
Photo @Martin Chiang Photography
CONCERTO SCIROCCO 