Immerse yourself in the sacred and timeless beauty of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina's "Motets for the Season of Christmas." This exquisite collection, released on July 12, 2019, under the Pro Organo label, is a profound exploration of choral, Gregorian chant, classical, and medieval musical traditions. Spanning a duration of one hour, this album is a testament to Palestrina's mastery and the enduring power of his compositions.
The album features a rich tapestry of motets and masses, each piece meticulously crafted to evoke the spiritual essence of the Christmas season. From the stirring "Hodie Christus natus est" to the serene "Stella quam viderant magi," Palestrina's works are a celebration of faith and joy, rendered in the pure, ethereal voices of the choir. The album also includes excerpts from Palestrina's "Motettorum" and "Missarum" collections, showcasing his versatility and depth as a composer.
"Motets for the Season of Christmas" is not just a collection of songs but a journey through the sacred music of the Renaissance. Palestrina's compositions, characterized by their intricate polyphony and harmonic richness, offer a glimpse into the musical and spiritual traditions of the time. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a rewarding and enlightening listening experience.
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