Lotti: Crucifixus
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ANTONIO LOTTI
Lotti: Crucifixus
The Syred Consort & Orchestra of St Paul's, Ben Palmer
[ Delphian / CD ]
Release Date: Saturday 10 September 2016
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Despite a hugely prolific output spanning a career of more than 50 years, Antonio Lotti is now known almost exclusively for his eight-part setting of the 'Crucifixus'. It is not widely known that that motet is in fact part of a complete Credo setting, itself part of the Missa Sancti Christophori that receives its first recording here.
Much of Lotti's music was written for the Basilica of San Marco in Venice at a time when expense and extravagance were not spared. He often wrote daringly for much bigger forces than were usual; in reviving Lotti's music, that sheer scale can present a challenge. Rhythmic shock and awe, masterful variety, incessant invention and a defiant refusal to conform make this music overripe for revival. Lotti is at the cutting edge of the galant style that prefigures the Classical era; his harmonies can be surprising, daring - even outrageous.
For their debut on Delphian, The Syred Consort and Orchestra of St Paul's have collaborated with musicologist Ben Byram-Wigfield to bring this survey of Lotti's music to life. Ben Palmer's singers dazzle in their virtuosity, and the instrumentalists play with immaculately crisp ensemble. There is excitement. There is hushed poignancy. And throughout there are Lotti's luscious harmonies, which make this music nothing short of addictive.
All tracks except 9 and the 'Crucifixus' in 14 are premiere recordings.
"this disc is a particularly welcome unveiling of four rapturous sacred works…the music is a pleasant fusion of the rigorous Baroque idiom…and the then-fashionable style gallant, characterised by suave melodies and lighter textures. Conductor Ben Palmer draws alert responses from The Syred Consort, highlighting to dramatic effect moments of vivid word painting, expressive chromaticisms and dissonance. There are stylish solo contributions, too" (BBC Music)
"The Sancti Christophori Mass is full of wonderfully fresh ideas and it is here that the ensemble, peccadilloes aside, most persuasively demonstrate their admirable commitment and feel for Lotti's kaleidoscopic nuancing, not to mention a superior level of performance in this work…Ben Palmer has irrevocably identified a dine craftsman who is rather more than a 'one-piece wonder'" (Gramophone)
"Despite the title, Palmer's forces explore far beyond the three deliciously crunchy Crucifixus settings for which the Venetian Lotti (1667-1740) is known. ..Both larger works reveal a rich style, as do a vivid Dixit Dominus and an expressive Miserere." (Sunday Times)
Tracks:
Dixit Dominus (Psalm 109)
Miserere
Missa Sancti Christophori
Credo
