In the early seventeenth century, composers from all over the Holy Roman Empire came to Venice to study with Giovanni Gabrieli, organist at St. Mark’s. One of the choral styles they were eager to learn was the cori spezzati technique, in which two or more choirs sing in alternation. The style spread quickly and inspired composers in Italy and North of the alps. This program, designed in the format of a Vespers for St. Caecilia’s Day, traces the polychoral style in Italy, Germany, and Austria

Bach Society Houston
Sam Houston State Early Music Ensemble
Rick Erickson and Mario Aschauer, conductors