Radio 3

By the beginning of the 16th century, Venice was in commercial decline, and the financial clout of the first and longest-lived of the European Empires was fading. However, just as the Republic’s political power was starting to ebb, artistic and cultural life began to flourish as never before. Venice became the centre of the cultural world. Over the course of this week, Donald Macleod explores this extraordinary period when music flourished throughout Venice’s streets and in the churches, palaces and public buildings which had sprung up all across the city, and the composers whose work came to define the age – the Venetian School. In Thursday programme, after the devastating effects of the plague which swept through Venice, Donald explores as the musical life of the Republic resurrects itself into what are arguably the glory years of the Venetian School, with the music of the Gabrielis at the fore – Andrea Gabrieli and his nephew Giovanni. Also, a new Doge comes to power. Giovanni Gabrieli Sacrae symphoniae: Canzon III a 4 Berlin Brass Andreas Sieling, conductor Andrea Gabrieli (arr. for 2 organs) Egredimini videte Luigi Ferdinando Tagliavini, organ Liuwe Tamminga, organ Giovanni Gabrieli (arr. for 2 organs) Canzon duodecimi toni Luigi Ferdinando Tagliavini, organ Liuwe Tamminga, organ Andrea Gabrieli Ecco Vinegia Bella Concordia Zarlino Pater noster, Ave Maria Ensemble Plus Ultra Michael Noone, director Andrea Gabrieli Gloria a 16 Gabrieli Paul McCreesh, director Giovanni Gabrieli Magnificat C75 Ex Cathedra His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts Concerto Palatino Jeffrey Skidmore, conductor Baldassare Donato Viva sempre Angelo Branduardi, singer Ensemble Scintille di Musica Francesca Torelli, director Giovanni Croce In spiritu humilitatis Complesso Vocale e Streumentale Antonio Lotti Paolo Camozzo, director Giovanni Gabrieli Deus qui beatum Marcum Gabrieli Paul McCreesh, director