A Venetian Vespers for Ascension

The 'Fèsta de ła Sènsa' was a major celebration of Venice’s glory, as the Doge and his elaborate flotilla sailed out into the lagoon to throw a gold ring into the water, renewing the ritual marriage between the city and the sea.

To conjure the spirit of this splendid occasion, Andrew Griffiths and Londinium recreate a grand service of Vespers, including a Magnificat and five psalms by the incomparable Claudio Monteverdi, and perform lavish madrigals and motets by Andrea Gabrieli, Giovanni Gabrieli, Giovanni Croce and others appropriate to the secular festivities.

Two of the world's leading period instrument groups — the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble and the Monteverdi String Band — join the choir to bring to life the sumptuous sounds of early Baroque Venice. 

Programme:
Andrea Gabrieli Vieni, vieni Himeneo
Chiara Margarita Cozzolani Deus in adiutorium
Claudio Monteverdi Dixit Dominus II
Claudio Merulo Canzon decimottava (instrumental)
Monteverdi Confitebor III
Giovanni Croce Percussit Saul mille
Monteverdi Beatus vir I
Giovanni Gabrieli Omnes gentes, plaudite manibus
Giovanni Gabrieli Udite, chiari e generosi figli d'Adria felice
Monteverdi Laudate pueri II
Monterverdi Quam pulchra es (instrumental)
Monteverdi Laudate Dominum II
Merulo Canzon vigesimaterza (instrumental)
Andrea dei Grifoni Salutis humanae Sator
Monteverdi Magnificat I