Giovanni Gabrieli (c. 1555-1612) will be perpetually linked to San Marco Basilica, the 16th century beating heart of Venetian music culture. His Symphoniae Sacrae volumes from 1597 and 1615 make him one of the most important representatives of Venetian polyphony. The volumes contain choral motets in concertato style, allowing for various choirs and/or instrument groups to alternate in dialogue. That style was inspired by the architecture of San Marco specifically. The basilica has two opposing choir areas, allowing the composer to fully embrace its acoustic effects. The result is colourful, varied and monumental.
Oltremontano Antwerp has used Giovanni Gabrieli’s compositions as an inspiration for a variety of productions. Depending on the programme, the ensemble is joined by organ and vocalists.
The music takes you on an enchanting journey to the flamboyant Venice of the 16th century.
This carefully assembled programme is an introduction to the music that Giovanni Gabrieli composed specifically for the Easter period. We start on Good Friday and work towards the climax that is Easter Sunday. For this production, Oltremontano Antwerp is joined by vocalists and organ.
This production features a careful selection of Giovanni Gabrieli’s Christmas period compositions. For this programme too, Oltremontano Antwerp is joined by organ and vocalists.
Giovanni Gabrieli possesses an extensive repertoire. For this concert, the programme offers a representative selection of Canzonas and Sonatas. Gabrieli has made an important contribution to the development of the instrumental music and was a the real “Maestro” of the Italian Canzona towards the end of the 16th century. He composed canzoni with a instrumental distribution from four to twenty one parts!