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Donald Macleod explores the life and music of Venetian luminaries Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli. Today, a glimpse into Giovanni’s little black book, and his moneymaking schemes

Donald Macleod gives us a glimpse into Giovanni’s little black book – and his various moneymaking schemes.

Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli share a name that dominated Venetian music during the late 16th and early 17th century. Both uncle and nephew were organists and composers, and their music was linked inextricably with the exceptional city in which they lived and worked. From the organ loft of St Mark’s Basilica to the resplendent palazzos of merchants and noblemen, they provided the soundtrack to Venice’s golden age, with its numerous feast days and celebrations. But together, they would also pioneer an ambitious way of writing choral music - playing with texture and architecture– that would eventually echo beyond the Venetian waterways and profoundly affect the music of the future.

Today, we get an insight into Giovanni’s side hustles. Following the death of uncle Andrea, he’s the new head of the family with an intimidating list of outgoings. Thankfully, he’s got a keen eye for a lucrative contact and an opportunity to make a few extra ducats, from taking on a second job as organist of San Rocco, to writing musical wedding favours and winding up as a personal shopper for far-flung royals.

Giovanni Gabrieli: Cantate Domino a 8
La Cappella Ducale
Musica Fiata
Roland Wilson, conductor

Giovanni Gabrieli: Sonata con tre violini - XXI
Ensemble Diderot
Johannes Pramsohler, violin/director

Giovanni Gabrieli: Timor et tremor
Canzon primi toni a 10
La Cappella Ducale
Musica Fiata
Roland Wilson, conductor

Giovanni Gabrieli: Jubilate Deo
Chorwerk Ruhr
Cappella de la Torre
Florian Helgarth, conductor

Giovanni Gabrieli: Sonata a 22; Magnificat a 33
Gabrieli Consort and Players
Paul McCreesh, conductor

Giovanni Gabrieli: Sonata octavi toni a 12; Omnes gentes
Gabrieli Consort and Players
Paul McCreesh, conductor

Giovanni Gabrieli: Sacri di Giove augei, sacre Fenici
I Fagiolini
Robert Hollingworth, conductor

Produced by Amelia Parker for Â鶹ԼÅÄ Audio Wales and West

59 minutes

Last on

Thu 21 Mar 2024 12:00
Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 3

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Year from HellAndrea and Giovanni Gabrieli

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MagnificenceAndrea and Giovanni Gabrieli

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Music Played

  • Giovanni Gabrieli

    Cantate Domino a 8

    Choir: La Capella Ducale. Ensemble: Musica Fiata Cologne. Director: Roland Wilson.
    • Sony SK66254.
    • SONY.
    • 5.

  • Giovanni Gabrieli

    Sonata con tre violini

    Ensemble: Ensemble Diderot. Director: Johannes Pramsohler.
    • AUDAX : ADX-13729.
    • AUDAX.
    • 14.

  • Giovanni Gabrieli

    Timor et tremor

    Choir: La Capella Ducale. Ensemble: Musica Fiata Cologne. Director: Roland Wilson.
    • SONY CLASSICAL : SK-66254.
    • SONY CLASSICAL.
    • 9.

  • Giovanni Gabrieli

    Canzon primi toni a 10

    Ensemble: La Cappella Ducale. Ensemble: Musica Fiata Cologne. Director: Roland Wilson.
    • SONY : G010001400070SCD.
    • SONY.
    • 5.

  • Giovanni Gabrieli

    Jubilate Deo

    Ensemble: ChorWerk Ruhr. Ensemble: Cappella De La Torre. Conductor: Florian Helgath.
    • COVIELLO : COV92112.
    • COVIELLO.
    • 1.

  • Giovanni Gabrieli

    Sonata a 22

    Ensemble: Gabrieli Consort. Ensemble: Gabrieli Players. Director: Paul McCreesh.
    • ARCHIVE : 449 180-2.
    • ARCHIVE.
    • 17.

  • Giovanni Gabrieli

    Magnificat a 33

    Performer: Gabrieli Consort & Players. Performer: Gabrieli Players. Director: Paul McCreesh.

  • Giovanni Gabrieli

    Sonata octavi toni a 12

    Ensemble: Gabrieli Consort & Players. Ensemble: Gabrieli Players. Director: Paul McCreesh.
    • WARNER CLASSICS : 9029650716.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.
    • 22.

  • Giovanni Gabrieli

    Omnes gentes

    Ensemble: Gabrieli Consort. Ensemble: Gabrieli Players. Director: Paul McCreesh.
    • VIRGIN CLASSICS : VC-759006 -2.
    • VIRGIN CLASSICS.
    • 29.

  • Giovanni Gabrieli

    Sacri di Giove augei, sacre Fenici

    Choir: I Fagiolini. Director: Robert Hollingworth.
    • Andrea Gabrieli: O passi sparsi, o pensier vaghi e pronti.
    • CHANDOS.
    • 23.

Broadcast

  • Thu 21 Mar 2024 12:00
    Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 3

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