GIOVANNI CROCE: Missa sopra la Battaglia [CD de audio] Marco Gemmani, Capella Marciana and Giovanni Croce

Detailing many an inspiring performance, this release celebrates the rich musical heritage of St Marks Basilica through a selection of liturgical works all of which were written by composers employed at the cathedral during the 16th and 17th centuries.The release takes as its starting point Giovanni Croce, a Venetian who became maestro di cappella in 1603 and who was highly influenced by the other composers on the set including Giovanni Bassano and Giovanni Gabrieli. Featuring items from the Divine Office, such as Andrea Gabrielis motet Angelus ad pastores (which would have followed the reading of a psalm) and Willaerts O magnum mysterium (a responsory to be sung during Matins at Christmas), the compilation also documents excerpts from the Mass including Giovanni Gabrielis Jubilate Deo. By far the largest work, however, is Croces Missa sopra la battaglia (Mass on the Battle), composed in 1596 to honour the day of victory against the Ottoman Turks in 1571. Using several choruses as well