Mercandante: Messa a 3 voci, Salve Maria & Tantum ergo

Immerse yourself in the rich, sacred music of Italian composer Saverio Mercadante (1795-1870) with this captivating album, "Mercandante: Messa a 3 voci, Salve Maria & Tantum ergo." Released in 2013 under the Bongiovanni label, this chamber music collection showcases Mercadante's mastery of vocal and instrumental composition.

The album features the Grande Accademia Vocal and Strumentale, conducted by Gian Rosario Presutti, delivering a powerful performance of Mercadante's "Messa a 3 voci" (Mass for Three Male Voices). This sacred work is divided into several movements, including the solemn "Kyrie," the jubilant "Gloria," and the profound "Credo," each demonstrating Mercadante's ability to evoke deep spiritual emotions.

In addition to the mass, the album includes two other sacred works: "Salve Maria," a tender and reverent hymn to the Virgin Mary, and "Tantum ergo," a Eucharistic hymn presented in two different settings for baritone, organ, and pianoforte. These pieces highlight Mercadante's versatility and his deep understanding of sacred music.

With a total runtime of 51 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Mercadante's sacred choral and instrumental works. Whether you're a fan of classical music, a scholar of Italian composers, or simply seeking a deeply moving musical experience, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

Saverio Mercadante, born Giuseppe Saverio Raffaele Mercadante, was a prolific Italian composer who left an indelible mark on the world of opera. Though his fame may not have endured internationally like that of his contemporaries Vincenzo Bellini, Gaetano Donizetti, or Gioachino Rossini, Mercadante's contributions to operatic structures, melodic styles, and orchestration were instrumental in shaping the dramatic techniques that Giuseppe Verdi would later build upon. Born in Altamura, Italy, in 1795, Mercadante studied a variety of instruments in Naples before focusing on composition. His works, particularly his operas, reflect his inspiration from French grand opéra, notably the works of Meyerbeer and Halévy. Mercadante's prolific output and innovative approaches make him a key transitional figure in the evolution of Italian opera between the bel canto era and the verismo movement.