Respiro: Acqua Alta in Venice - Sacred Works by Gabrieli, Schutz & Rosenmuller | Arcantus ARC22038

Respiro: Acqua Alta in Venice - Sacred Works by Gabrieli, Schutz & Rosenmuller

£13.25

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Label: Arcantus

Cat No: ARC22038

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 1

Genre: Vocal/Choral

Release Date: 31st March 2023

Contents

About

With this new CD from Arcantus, concert and art project, Ensemble Respiro hope to portray a pause for breath, a pause for thought. Breath is something that accompanies us from our first cry at birth to our last moments. It signifies the beginning and the conclusion of our very existence. Respiro is the Italian for breath, gasp or respite/deadline. Our breathing can demonstrate many things, whether a person is ill or healthy. When facing fear our breath will he held and in a feeling of serenity our breathing is steady and even.

Likewise, music must breathe. Singing (the beginnings of all music), as well as all wind instruments, needs breath to sound and reverberate. Similarly, string and keyboard instruments, when performed with a good breath in mind, will be played more musically.

In 2020 the entire world came to complete standstill; the entire population collectively held its breath. Simultaneously this time enabled the city of Venice to 'breathe out' but also partly hold its breath. Instead of the hordes of tourists the Venice became a peaceful place. Following the initial shock of the Coronavirus crisis, people dared to take the first careful steps, then gradually more. As the incidence rose once again people returned to fearfulness.

What breathing is to mankind, climate is to the Earth. Even before Covid-19 we were facing a climate crisis, although it was somehow distant but of equal relevance.

We live in a time where a lot is demanded from us. The pandemic has shown us that mankind can quickly adapt to a new situation and new rules. Is there then the possibility of thinking of the future anew.

What can the music of the 17th century tell us about this? A climate crisis was for the people at that time unimaginable, something that could perhaps only be explained as a punishment from God for sinfulness.

With the music on this recording, we endeavour to open a window into the time in which the Doge city was very much celebrated. Music, which at the time offered people comfort and hope, that helped them when they were in need, that gave voice to their cries for help. Music that celebrated heaven's glory.

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