The Return of the Bucentaur to the Molo on Ascension Day by Canaletto
Ascension was one of the most important holidays during the golden age of Venice, when the Doge would officially consecrate Venice to the sea by throwing a wedding ring into the lagoon. This ceremony was followed by solemn liturgical celebrations at the abbey church of San Nicolò la Lido with elaborate musical accompaniment, and it was concluded with a huge fair in S. Mark’s Square that was famous throughout Europe for its splendor & opulence.
Musica Transalpina seeks to recreate the Mass as it could have been celebrated on Ascension for the Doge and his court on Saturday May 11, 2024 at 7 P. M. We are proud to present enormous polychoral works from Venice written at the dawn of the Baroque, including Giovanni Gabrieli’s Omnes gentes à 16. (published in 1597), one of the earliest extant works written for four separate choirs. Alongside this masterpiece, we are presenting Giovanni Croce’s equally large Missa à 16. super Iubilate Deo, apparently written at the request of Archduke Ferdinand (future Emperor Ferdinand II.) who met Croce while at Venice in 1598. This enormous mass setting survives in manuscript form in the Graz Chorbuch, and is receiving its American première – and quite possibly its very first modern performance anywhere – by our Ensemble on Saturday May 11 at the parish church of S. Vincent de Paul:
621 West Adams Boulevard,
Los Angeles, CA 90007.
While this event is free of charge & open to the public, we encourage our patrons to donate in increments of $20 ($40, $60, &c.). You are also welcome to wait until the conclusion of our performance and drop your donation off on your way out! Please reserve your spot at whatever price works for you at the following link:
This concert is offered in loving memory of Paul Ty Isley III.