Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Following its critically acclaimed premier release, Gloriæ Dei Cantores, under the direction of Elizabeth Patterson, is re-releasing eight works by Italian composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestina. The rarely performed Missa Beata Mariæ Virginis II is heard here in its debut recording. Another of Palestrina's 104 masses, Missa "Descendit Angelus Domini" is included on this recording, as well as five of his 375 motets, derived from chant, and intended to draw the listeners attention to the liturgy and the text. Super Flumina Babylonis, Ad Te levavi oculos meos, Miserere nostri Domine, Sicut cervus, and Sitivit anima mea, are performed by a smaller ensemble drawn from the larger choir, in accordance with the style and acoustic ambience of Palestrinian polyphony. The recording closes with the eight part Jubilate Deo for two choirs, a majestic conclusion to a disc originally recorded by Gloriæ Dei Cantores in 1993 in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Palestrina's death.