Special music from Venice

From May 13, 2014:

The Montreal-based early music group Pallade Musica recorded their first disc, of Venetian music by the transitional composers Castello, Merula and Legrenzi, in September 2013. It’s a winner in every way. The repertoire chosen is historically important, as the new expressive musical language of the Baroque began to replace the more learned polyphony of the High Renaissance. The canzoni and sonate by Giovanni Legrenzi, Dario Castello and Tarquinio Merula represent a balance of emotion and intellect, and the four talented performers of Pallade Musica walk that tightrope with grace and power, and apparent ease. This rewarding disc recalls a special time in the private life of that most special city, Venice.