Laudate Dominum:
Masters of the Chapel of
St Mark’s, Venice
Biffi • Croce • Gabrieli
Galuppi • Hassler • Legrenzi
Lotti • Monteverdi

A fantastic compilation celebrating the rich musical heritage of one of Venice’s most
iconic landmarks – St Mark’s Basilica.

The release details a selection of music written by composers who all held important
positions at the church – including the role of maestro di cappella. From Antonio Lotti’s
affective setting of the Credo, a central part of the Mass, to Monteverdi’s absorbing ‘Beatus
Vir I’ – a Vesper psalm taken from his Selva Morale e Spirituale and which formed part of
the smaller observances known as the Office Hours – these compositions range from
the late 16th century through to the second half of the 18th century and reveal a wealth
of elaborate textures. Also featured is Lotti’s non-liturgical ‘Spirto di Dio’, a ceremonial
motet celebrating the Doge’s dominion over the waters and describing the lavish secular
rituals that the church was also involved in.

Full of inspiring performances that include split choirs and an extensive body of
instrumentalists, this release documents the development of St Mark’s unique musical
style – first cultivated during the Renaissance and then heightened after the city’s
excommunication in 1607. Featuring a veritable who’s who of Italian composers, it’s the
perfect starting-point for exploring Venice’s cultural legacy.