Officium defunctorum

Lodovico Grossi da Viadana, who was born in Viadana, not far from Sabbioneta, in about 1560, is nowadays considered to be one of the greatest composers of all times, not “only the inventor of the basso continuo”.
The most recent research and the transcription of da Viadana’s music have enabled us to get an even better idea of the importance of the musician and man, who was not only emblematic of his age, but also an enlightened prophet.
The Missa da Requiem and the Responsori from the Officium pro Defunctis in this recording, composed in 1604, are proof of this: the works are extremely lively and original for the interaction between sound, rhythm and text, as well as the internal relations, and the vertical dimension of the polyphony, interwoven with the horizontal element of Gregorian chant.
Music must move and amaze as well as retiring into prayerThe Officium was performed at the 12th edition of the Lodoviciano Festival in the church of S. Andrea in Gualtieri, where the body of this important Viadanese maestro is buried.