Search - Giovanni Gabrieli, Timothy Roberts, His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts :: Gabrieli: The Canzonas and Sonatas from Sacrae Symphoniae 1597

Lots of cornetts, trombones & organs and some violas!

Steven Guy | Croydon, South Australia | 08/31/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The only complete recording of the Sacræ Symphoniæ of 1597 on period instruments. The performances are very satisfactory and there are some very attractive sounds on this recording.
Up to eight cornetts are used (in two pieces) and twelve trombones (sackbuts) feature in another work.A few organ works are included to break up the program a little. My only complaint it that some of the pieces are transposed down by a 4th. This really doesn't need to happen with this music - it is an option, of course - but why was it done here? A couple of my favourite canzonas sound very dark as a result.I enjoy this recording but it isn't one I'd listen all in one sitting. Rather, this is a CD to 'dip into'.Let us hope that Concerto Palatino or Musica Fiata tackle this landmark collection of music some time!PS: I am still enjoying this CD a lot! I hope that HMS&C consider recording Gabrieli's 1615 Canzone & Sonate on HYPERION, too! (wink, wink, nudge, nudge!!)"

Sagbutts and cornetts and organs, oh my!

B. Marold | Bethlehem, PA United States | 02/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The very best thing about this recording is that it is another offering by the superb His Majesty's Sagbutts and Cornetts, a group specializing in Renaissance period music and instruments, who has never failed to offer an excellent rendition of the works they perform.



Aside from that, my primary interest as an old music amateur is that this is both a composer and two genres which are not widely known, so having an excellent realization of both, not to mention the usually superb Hyperion packaging and recording, is a definite treat."