Cavalli succeeded his teacher Claudio Monteverdi as the leading opera composer in Venice of the mid-17th century. His Requiem for eight voices, composed for his own memorial services, masterfully blends the rich polyphonic traditions of Venice with the dramatic sensitivity that Cavalli’s operas are famous for. No wonder that this masterwork played an important role in the early music revival of the 19th century, being referred to as “the most solemn Requiem that exists”.

Program

Francesco Cavalli (1602–1676)

Missa pro defunctis

Felice Sances (c. 1600–1679)

Selections from: Motetti a una, due, tre, e quattro voci

Performers

Elizabeth Tait and Andréa Walker soprano
Alex Colaizzi and Michael Skarke alto
Micah Perry and N.N. tenor
Peter Schoellkopff and Christopher Short bass

Sydney ZumMallen violone
Daniel Swenberg theorbo
Bryan Anderson organ

Mario Aschauer artistic director