17th century Venetian gems recorded by the Gonzaga Band are the highlight of this Sunday’s Vox Nostra. An overview of their CDs from over the last decade includes their releases on Chandos, Chaconne, and the still fresh but now well-established Resonus recording label. From Monteverdi’s ‘Sacred Garland’, to the miniature masterpieces on their ‘Chamber Vespers’ recording, the band’s stunning playing and highly expressive vocalists make this repertoire exquisitely resound.
In Venice 1629, they pay homage to the musical world which nurtured Heinrich Schütz as well as Italians Dario Castello, Alessandro Grandi and Biagio Marini. And if you ever wondered what else was happening in Italy during Monteverdi’s heyday in Venice, the ensemble answers that question beautifully with a programme dedicated to composer Amadio Freddi. Freddi was the maestro di capella at the cathedral in Treviso during this auspicious period in Italian music, and his contributions are exquisitely captured on the Gonzaga’s most recent release.
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 13th October, 7am-10am