I Fagiolini mark 25th anniversary with World Première Striggio release on Decca
World Première CD recording of the long lost 40-part mass (c.1566) by Alessandro Striggio
Accompanying DVD includes audio tracks in 5.1 surround sound, plus film
Release date – 7th March 2011
Decca is to release the world première CD recording of Striggio’s long lost 40-part mass, Missa Ecco sì beato giorno, the music thought to have inspired Tallis’ masterpiece Spem in alium. Recorded by I Fagiolini in celebration of its’ 25th anniversary, the disc will be released on March 7th 2011 accompanied by Spem in alium and Striggio’s other tour de force upon which the mass is based, the motet Ecce beatam lucem.
Both the mass and motets have been recorded in the round, providing a genuinely revealing use for 5.1 surround-sound which can be heard on the accompanying DVD. The result reproduces both the grandeur and intimacy of the music, and imaginatively brings together not just voices but the full gamut of Renaissance instrumental colour (strings, brass, wind and lutes).
Not for a long time has such an ambitious recording project of almost entirely Renaissance World première recordings been undertaken with forces on this scale. The album is a tantalising showcase for some of the finest talent in the world of Renaissance performance, all conducted by I Fagiolini’s founder Robert Hollingworth.
Although references to Striggio’s mass exist from his 1567 European journey, the work was lost until its re-discovery a few years ago and its first modern-day performance at the 2007 BBC Proms. This recording uses the edition made by Hollingworth and Brian Clark and recently published by the Early Music Company.
Also recorded is Tallis’ 40-part Spem in alium; notably this performance uses instruments (another recording première), and benefits from Hugh Keyte's new edition of the work which corrects previous errors and proposes a new theory about the work. The recording is completed with an imaginative selection of fascinating Striggio works (many for political occasions), all world premières.
This extraordinary album is accompanied by a bonus DVD which features a 12-minute behind-the-scenes film made during the recording and 5.1 surround-sound files of the large-scale works. The film features head-to-heads with conductor, producer and some performers.
While such a lavish recording may seem inappropriate in these frugal times, today’s financial problems are said to stem from the banks whereas in the 16th century Striggio’s mass was actually commissioned by the greatest banking family of the time, the Medicis. Inspired by such private patronage, this recording has been part-funded by a large number of small donations.
Decca releases this I Fagiolini album in the group’s 25th anniversary year, during which it will be touring the UK and Europe with an anniversary programme including madrigals by Striggio.
Upcoming concerts including I Fagiolini’s 25th Anniversary Programme:
05/03/11 - The Lighthouse, Poole
09/03/11 - The Stable, Wavendon, Milton Keynes
11/03/11 - Oakham School, Oakham
12/03/11 - Crucible Studio, Sheffield
16/03/11 - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
17/03/11 - National Centre for Early Music, York
18/03/11 - Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon
19/03/11 - New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth
25/03/11 - Queen Elizabeth Hall, London (Bach B Minor Mass)
27/03/11 - Queen Elizabeth Hall, London (Bach cantatas)
01/04/11 - St. George’s, Bristol
