Sacrae symphoniae
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Sacrae symphoniae is a collection of sacred music by the Italian Renaissance composer Giovanni Gabrieli, published in two volumes in 1597 and posthumously in 1615. This work is significant for its use of massive choral and instrumental ensembles, often featuring multiple choirs. Gabrieli pioneered a new approach to musical color and orchestration by specifying instruments and distinguishing between soloists and full choirs.12
The term symphonia at the time generally indicated ensemble music, and Gabrieli's Sacrae symphoniae collections were notable examples of elaborate instrumental and vocal compositions. His work, particularly the Sacrae symphoniae, developed the concertato motet style, which combined contrasting groups of singers and instruments, adding vivid colors to vocal textures. His music was influential, notably on his German pupil Heinrich Schütz.2314
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wind instrumentThe Baroque periodIn the Sacrae symphoniae (1597 and 1615) of Giovanni Gabrieli, for example, an ensemble of three cornetts, two trombones, and tenor violin accompanies solo voices, alternates with and accompanies one or two choirs, or performs alone. Gabrieli adopted a similar approach in his instrumental music. His Sonata
Read MoreIn the Sacrae symphoniae (1597 and 1615) of Giovanni Gabrieli, for example, an ensemble of three cornetts, two trombones, and tenor violin accompanies solo voices, alternates with and accompanies one or two choirs, or performs alone. Gabrieli adopted a similar approach in his instrumental music. His Sonata
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symphonyThe concept of symphony before c. 1750Later notable examples are the Sacrae symphoniae of the Venetian composer Giovanni Gabrieli (Book I, 1597; Book II, 1615), collections of elaborate instrumental and vocal music, often for multiple choirs; and the Symphoniae sacrae of his celebrated German pupil, Heinrich Schütz (1629, 1647,
Read MoreLater notable examples are the Sacrae symphoniae of the Venetian composer Giovanni Gabrieli (Book I, 1597; Book II, 1615), collections of elaborate instrumental and vocal music, often for multiple choirs; and the Symphoniae sacrae of his celebrated German pupil, Heinrich Schütz (1629, 1647,
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