The proliferation of music for strings can make it easy to overlook the grand tradition of arrangements for brass. Italian masters Giovanni Gabrieli and Girolamo Frescobaldi are the featured composers on the re-mastered and re-released recording THE ANTIPHONAL MUSIC OF GABRIELI. A collaborative effort of the Philadelphia, Chicago, and Cleveland Brass Ensembles (along with E. Power Biggs on organ), this album evokes the majesty and charm of the Italian Renaissance.
No soloists take center stage; instead, the collaborative interplay of performers builds layers of harmonies through the melody. The superbly engineered stereo recording makes the most of this interplay, creating the impression of being surrounded by the orchestra; a diagram illustrating the seating arrangement used during the recording session is a useful tool in understanding the music. Understanding of the music aside, the clarity and precision of performance make this album a very serene and enjoyable listening experience.