Sonata XVIII (1615)

By: Gabrieli: Eric Crees Performing Edition

This fourteen part sonata is not only one of Gabrieli’s largest ensembles ~ including a ‘coro grave’ or low choir ~ but also the most harmonically daring of all his instrumental works. And yet after several minutes of sumptuous and intricate counterpoint, the piece disappears delightfully but surprisingly into thin air.

Gabrieli is one of the truly great composers but sadly neglected. His compositions, moreover, are rarely of great technical difficulty, making them ideal for mixed ensembles and school use. We hope this edition will bring these magnificent pieces to a wider audience, especially the young.

• Each set contains a score and parts for brass, woodwind and string instruments to allow performances by practically any combination as well as brass only.
• This new Performing Edition of Gabrielis Sacrae Symphoniae and Canzoni e Sonate was prepared for the recording by the LSO Brass on Naxos Records:
Vol 1 - 8553609
Vol 2 - 8553873
Vol 3 - 8554129

"...the playing is superb...three CDs which embody all of Gabrielis instrumental ensemble works, the first such collection in the world".....Musician
"...scrupulously prepared new edition".....BBC Music Magazine
"...notes, both scholarly and informative...an exciting series".....Guardian