A New Venetian Coronation, 1595, is a speculative reconstruction of the liturgy for the solemnization of Marino Grimani as Doge, which occurred April 27, 1595, in the Basilica of San Marco. It is also a vivid re-creation of the first CD by Paul McCreesh and the Gabrieli Consort & Players, A Venetian Coronation, 1595, which was recorded almost 25 years earlier. Evoking the festivities of a late Renaissance celebration, the album opens with tolling bells, crowd noises, firecrackers, and the instrumental pieces that might have accompanied the Doge's procession, such as the Intrada by Hans Leo Hassler. The Coronation Mass follows, sung in Gregorian chant and augmented with polychoral works by Andrea Gabrieli and Giovanni Gabrieli, and punctuated by shorter pieces by Cesare Bendinelli, and Cesario Gussago. One can easily imagine the pomp and ritual of the event from hearing this typically ad hoc Venetian mix of sacred and secular music. However, sticklers may be quick to point out that several of Giovanni Gabrieli's publications are dated from 1597, so their use here probably involves some guesswork of the original composition dates. Furthermore, because there is no surviving Venetian trumpet music, the generic fanfares by Bendinelli are used as substitutes. Taken on the strength of the performances, which demonstrate the diversity of styles in Venice and the varied purposes for which music was used in San Marco, this album is a delightful look at history with a highly imaginative presentation.
Gramophone Award 2013, Early Music catagory
Signum Catalogue No:SIGCD287
