Schlick Ensemble Galliarda Basel - Der Harmonische Gottesdienst - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Ensemble Plus Ultra - Gradualia [COMPACT DISCS] Digipack Packaging date 08/05/2008

The present is a portrait of an underestimated Baroque composer who had great influence on the development of musical style in middle Germany up to J. S. Bach, Samuel Scheidt. The Basel Madrigalists are an ensemble of 16-24 trained singers, which was initiated by the singer and conductor Fritz Naf. Since 1978, they have achieved a comprehensive repertoire of songs ranging from the Renaissance period to modern times. The emphasis is laid on the reenactment of madrigals, songs and chansons from the 16th/17th century and on the performance of modern compositions. Moreover, the ensemble is very actively engaged in giving concerts of a diversified nature, performing at the most important festivals in Europe and the USA. The Ensemble Galliarda Basel was founded in 1974 by Marianne Luthi, purely as a Renaissance recorder consort at first, but nowadays also occasionally performing in combination with other instruments.

The Petite messe solennelle is unique in sacred music and is impossible to imitate or improve upon. Using only keyboards for the instrumental parts proves surprisingly effective and the solo pianoforte is particularly outstanding in the remarkable Prélude which combines Bach-like chromaticism with early hints of Impressionism or in the long introductions and postludes where it assumes a leading role, becoming the fifth soloist in the score. The writing for the solo voices however reverts to Rossini's operatic vein and makes considerable demands on the singers.