- In Ecclesiis
"In Ecclesiis" is arguably
Giovanni Gabrieli 's most famous single work. Amagnum opus ofpolychoral techniques, it also epitomisesBaroque andRenaissance styles, with its prolific use ofpedal point s and extendedplagal cadence s.The work was probably originally composed for the
Doge of Venice . Although the text can be consideredsacred , it is notliturgical .There are four groups and Continuo/Organ. These groups are set in two being instrumental, the other two made up of singers.
*Group One (Soloists)::
Countertenor /Soprano (Disputed)::Alto ::Tenor ::Baritone *Group Two (Chorus)::
Soprano /Alto (Disputed)::Tenor ::Baritone ::Bass*Group Three::First
Cornett ::SecondCornett ::ThirdCornett *Group Four::
Violino (likely to be TrebleViol ::Tenor Trombone::Bass Trombone *Continuo-Organ and String Bass
As we can see, there are some disputes as to the specific singers. These groups are only applicable to modern interpretations of the work, due to how vocal ranges are now defined. It is more likely that the work would have been originally performed with an all-male choir. The instrumental groups here are only likely to be found in a historically accurate performance. It is more likely that the Cornetti are replaced by either
Trumpet ,Cornet , orOboe . Even though it destroys Gabrieli's original sentiments, it is possible to perform this work with an allBrass ensemble. Brass Instruments on the whole, however, are considered too loud to be used.The delicate polychoral texture is normally almost totally lost in small scale modern performances. The balconies and actual size of the church atSan Marco meant thatantiphon al works could be performed with relative ease. This can be difficult to translate, however. As more choirs attempt this work, it can be argued that the original effect is lost as the original conditions cannot be replicated in everyChurch ,Cathedral or Concert Hall where a modern performance may take place. This may be due to any number of reasons, including the size of the choir, ensemble availability and where the audience will sit.
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