Giovanni Gabrieli

Simple yet characterful four-part canzonas found in Raverii's 1608 collection.

Simple yet characterful four-part canzonas found in Raverii's 1608 collection.

A fairly conservative work in five parts, but not without deft harmonic and rhythmic touches which point towards the imagination of later works.

A six part canzona which opens with one of Gabrieli's most characteristic rising themes and goes on to embrace attractive three-part writing, flourishes, scale passages and a brief triple-time section...

The opening theme of this six part work retains the canzona rhythm, but also uses the unusual intervals of diminished fourth and fifth. The overall effect is of a certain angularity and rusticity.

This 6 part canzon is the first to seriously explore Gabrieli's fascination with opposing rhythms. The essentially lyrical duple time music is punctuated four times by a bold triple-time ritornello.

This seven part canzona is one of the most unusual and daring rhythmic pieces with overlapping 3/4 and 6/8 plus a grand coda with dotted rhythms and fast scale passages. Dur 3'45'

An assertive single note call on the familiar canzona rhythm leads to superbly mature seven part contrapuntal writing containing immense rhythmic and textural variation.

The splendidly bright opening and confident major feel of this seven part canzona all point to a work written for a joyous rather than a formal occasion.

This eight part canzona is unusual in having a 'high' and a 'low' choir and also a recurring 'motto' theme. Dur 4'15'

This eight part canzona is subtitled 'Fa Sol La Re' which is a reference to the bass line, repeated in a bright triple time over thirty times finally expanding for the brilliant finish. Dur 3'30'

This eight part canzona is one of the most harmonically advanced, building from a stately opening to increasingly complex rhythms and harmonies. Dur 4'15'

An eight part canzona mainly in triple time and in the major key with extended passages for two separate choirs. Dur 3'

The deceptively calm opening of this eight part work gives way to bouncy 3/4 rhythms and a virtuoso coda. Dur 2'15'

This eight part sonata is perhaps the best known of Gabrieli's instrumental compositions as it was one of the first pieces to specify dynamics and instrumentation. A magnificently aristocratic work. D...

This eight part canzona really sparkles ~ wonderful repartee between the two choirs. Dur 2'

This eight part canzona is one of the most serious of all . Not even the usually bright 3/4 sections can overcome the sombre mood. Dur 3'

A light and entertaining work for two-four part choirs. The music shifts effortlessly from common to triple time. Dur 1'30'

A vigorous piece for two four-part choirs characterised by dotted and cross rhythms as well as forceful syncopations.

Based on the rhythm and rising scale, the opening theme is worked into a delightful rhythmical interplay between the two groups.

A cheerful motif pervades the antiphonal exchange between the two four-part choirs before a resplendent finish.

A much more formal work than normal, with the second group copying the first some four times. Finally the first imitates the second before a short coda for all the players.

scored for 6 trumpets in Bb, 6 trombones (or 3 horns and 3 trombones)

Piano / Organ, Timpani optional.

Piano / Organ, Timpani optional.