University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Literature and Styles in Music I

Venetian Polychoral Style

I Originally associated with St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice

A. Because of its unusual architecture, St. Mark's is known for polychoral (i.e., antiphonal, or "cori spezzati") compositions from the time of Willaert

B. Most famous composers:

Andrea Gabrieli (1510-86)
- major works: Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Giovanni Gabrieli (1517-1612)
- major works: Sonata Pian' e Forte and Sacrae Symphoniae

II Numerous composers influenced by polychoral style, i.e., the contrasting of bodies of sound through antiphonal effects

Other composers using similar techniques: Praetorius, Hassler, Schutz etc.

Last Update 6/21/06

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