Claudio Merulo (1533‐1604) held the prestigious post of first organist of the San Marco in Venice. Although he was a key figure in the development of keyboard music he also wrote a large number of vocal works of great importance: masses, motets and madrigals.
Merulo’s Motets, though standing in the tradition of the High Renaissance, reveal an innovative form and linguistic freedom. In his 5‐part Motets for single choir the initial imitative counterpoints develops into antiphonal sections and ritornello passages that anticipate the “concertato” style of the emerging Baroque period.
The Italian Modus Ensemble, conducted by Mauro Marchetti, is accompanied by viola da gamba, violone, theorbo and organ.
The complete sung texts in the original language are included in the booklet.
