Though Venice was periodically buffeted by terrible plagues, the one which struck the city in the years 1575–77 proved catastrophic for the floating city, resulting in the death of a third of its population. In response, the Venetians decided on a grandiose penitential gesture: to build a huge church (La Chiesa del Redentore) to which the Doge and his retenue would pay a visit to give thanks in each year that Venice remained free of pestilence.
In early 1577, the place in which the church would be built (the Giudecca) and the architect (Palladio) were chosen. Thus, on the third of May in that year, the ceremony for the foundation of the church was held. Although we have no information about the specific music which was performed, the 8-part motet O Crux splendidior by Andrea Gabrieli, which speaks of the Cross as a symbol for the victory of Christ over sin and death (and perhaps the plague), has a particular relevance to such an occasion.
We will consider aspects of the work and its context that suggest its suitability for inclusion in the dedication ceremony, examine the music and its relationship to the text and other structural elements, and sing and play along with a live recording of Concerto Palatino performing it.
Level: open to all levels
Audience: singers, instrumentalists of any type are welcome to play or sing along
Format: Lecture / Demo / Play and Sing along
A=440
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