Mass "Hodie Christus natus est" (1993)

"For this offering, the much-prized Gabrieli Consort and Players move to Rome, recreating a Christmas Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore, c. 1620. This move is no mere figure of speech: much of this music was recorded in the basilica itself. The approach is unapologetically choral rather than soloistic, and yet dynamic contrasts are boldly and resourcefully exploited. In fact the singing is almost Italianate—could this be the surroundings? The instrumental pieces are handled with customary panache, the Frescobaldi organ toccatas offering reflective interludes amid the festive opulence. A most illuminating issue." (gramophone.co.uk)

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