Immerse yourself in the sacred and serene world of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina with "Motets for the Season of Christmas." This exquisite collection, released in 2019 under the Pro Organo label, is a testament to the enduring beauty of Renaissance choral music. Spanning a full hour, the album features 13 meticulously crafted tracks that blend the richness of Gregorian chant with the intricate polyphony characteristic of the medieval and classical genres.
Palestrina, a master of the Renaissance period, composed these motets with a profound understanding of vocal harmony and spiritual depth. Each piece, from the soothing "Hierusalem, cito veniet salus tua" to the triumphant "Hodie Christus natus est," showcases his unparalleled ability to evoke the divine through music. The album includes a mix of motets and masses, such as the "Missa o admirabile commercium à 5" and "Missa o magnum mysterium à 5," which are performed with impeccable precision and reverence.
The Palestrina Choir's performance is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the essence of each composition with clarity and devotion. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a profound and enriching experience. "Motets for the Season of Christmas" is not just an album; it is a celebration of timeless musical artistry and spiritual reflection.
2019 Pro Organo2019 Pro Organo
Tracks
Motettorum, liber 2: No. 20, Hierusalem, cito veniet salus tua - Ego enim sum DominusGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Offertoria: No. 2, Deus tu convertens vivificabis nosGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 2 (Excerpts): No. 19, Veni Domine et noli tardare - Excita DomineGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 2 (Excerpts): No. 10, Canite tuba in Sion -Rorate cœli desuperGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 3 (Excerpts): No. 20, Cum ortus fueritGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 3 (Excerpts): No. 32, Hodie Christus natus estGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Missarum, liber 8: No. 3, Missa o admirabile commercium à 5Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 2: No. 22, Sancta et immaculata Virginitas - Benedicta tuGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Missarum, liber 4: No. 7, Missa o magnum mysterium à 5Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 1: No. 2, Stella quam viderant magiGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Offertoria: No. 12, Reges Tarsis et insulæ munera offerentGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 5: No. 15, Rex MelchiorGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison
Motettorum, liber 3: No. 28, Surge illuminare HierusalemGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Palestrina Choir, Michael Harrison