Giovanni Legrenzi - Legrenzi: Canto & Basso: Vocal & Instrumental Music

Giovanni Legrenzi (1626-1690) was an Italian composer of opera, vocal and instrumental music. He held several important posts as court musician and Maestro di Cappella in Ferrara, Mantua, Bologna and finally Venice, where he was appointed at the prestigious San Marco. This recording presents 'Sonatas' and 'Motets' for solo voices (alto and tenor) played by organ, cornetto and Baroque trombone. The use of these brass instruments is in the tradition of Castello, Cima and Fontana. In addition we hear works by contemporaries Merula, Battiferri, Pollarolo and Colonna. The use of the brass instruments lends a special festive character to these highly attractive, melodious compositions. Played by Ensemble Zenit, specialized in this particular repertoire, and alto Isabella di Pietro and tenor Roberto Rilievi. The booklet notes are written by an Italian musicologist.

1) Sonata, 'La Foscari' À 2 ()
2) Canzon Di Tarquinio Merula ()
3) Plaudite Vocibus ()
4) Hodie Collentatur Coeli À 2 ()
5) Ricercare Sesto. Con Due Sogetti ()
6) Sonata, 'La Colloreta' À 2 ()
7) Ave Regina Coelorum À 2 ()
8) Sonata No. 7 Del Colonna Di Bologna ()
9) Suspiro Domine ()
10) Sonata, 'La Donata' À 2 ()
11) Sonata No. 2 Del Pollaroli Di Venezia ()
12) Albescite Flores À 4 ()