Masters of San Marco March 6, 2005

Ridotto presents "Masters of San Marco - Great Venetians of the 1600s", a concert of 17th century Venetian music especially composed for the largest church of Venice, the San Marco. Composers in the service of the San Marco Basilica created a fusion between musical styles from the north and south. Appointed northern composers were J. P. Sweelinck and Heinrich Schutz. Italian composers were Andrea and Giovanni Gabrieli and Claudio Monteverdi. This center of music gave new impetus to early baroque music. Performed in Ridotto are Canzones by Gabrieli and parts of the Schutz 'Weihnacht Oratorium' and parts of the glorious Vespers by Monteverdi. Religious music will be performed in the sanctuary with organ, chorus, and orchestra. Secular music is performed in the intimate setting of the parish hall, with compositions by Barbara Strozzi, Vivaldi, and Gussago. Performers include Jessica Gould, soprano, Christopher Morrongiello, lute and the Ridotto Orchestra and Choir under the direction of Margaretha Maimone.