Hassler, H L: Verbum caro factum est

These works demonstrate Scheidermann’s boundless wealth of imagination.

They are performed on the van Hagerbeer Organ, St. Peter’s Church, Leiden.

A huge variety of works performed on an instrument of European rank.

A fantastic compilation celebrating the rich musical heritage of one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks – St Mark’s Basilica.

The release details a selection of music written by composers who all held important positions at the church – including the role of maestro di cappella. From Antonio Lotti’s affective setting of the Credo, a central part of the Mass, to Monteverdi’s absorbing ‘Beatus Vir I’ – a Vesper psalm taken from his Selva Morale e Spirituale and which formed part of the smaller observances known as the Office Hours – these compositions range from the late 16th century through to the second half of the 18th century and reveal a wealth of elaborate textures. Also featured is Lotti’s non-liturgical ‘Spirto di Dio’, a ceremonial motet celebrating the Doge’s dominion over the waters and describing the lavish secular rituals that the church was also involved in.

Full of inspiring performances that include split choirs and an extensive body of instrumentalists, this release documents the development of St Mark’s unique musical style – first cultivated during the Renaissance and then heightened after the city’s excommunication in 1607. Featuring a veritable who’s who of Italian composers, it’s the perfect starting-point for exploring Venice’s cultural legacy.

Repertoire otherwise currently unavailable on record.

New booklet notes by the Italian-Baroque scholar Naomi Matsumoto.

Period-instrument recordings, made in Venetian churches between 1989 and 1995.

Written for 8 voices, Missa Octava has to be performed by two four-voice choirs where they engage in a dialogue echoing each other and becoming united at specific moments. Nearly 400 years on, Octava ensemble bring their unique talents to bear, presenting the Hassler’s creation in a way that as closely resembles the original mode in which his music might have been performed.