Colonna’s Two-Choir Psalms: A Feast for the Ears

Giovanni Paolo Colonna was in great demand in the mid-1600s. He was one of the best organists and organ builders in Italy. He was maestro di capella at San Petronio Basilica in Bologna. Colonna is credited with establishing the model for Italian choral writing. It was the model Georg Friedrich Handel followed when he arrived in Italy in 1706.

This release features words for two choirs. And it's a live recording from the St. Petronio Basilica. So we get to hear the music composed in the space Colonna intended it for. And that makes a difference. 

Colonna expertly mixes textures, ranging from solo voice to full unison. And the space is treated as an instrument. The reverberations are an integral part of the sound. Echoes harmonize with each other and with the performers.

The full, robust choruses are thrilling. They foreshadow those of Handel's oratorios. Michele Vannelli masterfully leads his musicians. These are terrific performances. The singers fill the space. And the instrumentalists provide the proper amount of support.

Colonna's counterpoint isn't as complex as Bach's. But it does point towards Handel's. It's clean and clear, even with the rich acoustic of the basilica. 

Glorious music, beautifully performed. It's one of the best Baroque choral albums I've heard in a while.

Giovanni Paolo Colonna: Caro Ardore Scro Amore
Concerted Psalms for Two Choirs and Orchestra
Coro e Orchestra Della Capella Musicale di S. Petronio
Ensemble Vocale "Color Temporis;" Michele Vannelli, maestro di cappella
Dynamic CDS8044