Missa Beata es Virgo Maria – I. Kyrie

The monumental choral music on this recording was heard at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome over a period of two centuries. This music embodied the spirit of triumphant Catholicism as did the architectural projects of the Eternal City. This CD features rare polychoral compositions by great Renaissance composers: Giovanni de Macque (v.1550-1614); Roland de Lassus (v.1532-1594) Francesco Soriano (1549-1621); Vincenzo Ugolini (1570-1638); Giuseppe Ottavio Pitoni (1657-1743); and Orazio Benevoli (1605-1672).

“With this 2011 release, Musica Vaticana, Studio de musique ancienne de Montréal, led by its founder Christopher Jackson, solidifies its reputation as one of the very finest choirs specializing in music of the Baroque and Renaissance. Its tone is warmly blended and pure, and it is able to produce a wide range of tonal colors suited to whatever is being performed. Most importantly, the chorus enters fully into the spirit of the music, so its performances are lively and spontaneous-sounding.” Stephen Eddins, All Music, September 1, 2011