GIOVANNI PIERLUIGI DA PALESTRINA

Gloriæ Dei Cantores, under the direction of Elizabeth Patterson, presents eight sublime works by Italian composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestina. The rarely performed Missa Beata Mariæ Virginis II is heard here in its debut recording. Missa "Descendit Angelus Domini" is included on this recording, as well as five of his most exquisite motets. Super Flumina Babylonis, Ad Te levavi oculos meos, Miserere nostri Domine, Sicut cervus, and Sitivit anima mea, are performed by a smaller ensemble drawn from the larger choir, in accordance with the style and acoustic ambience of Palestrinian polyphony.

The recording closes with the eight-part Jubilate Deo for two choirs, a majestic conclusion to this disc originally recorded by Gloriæ Dei Cantores in 1993 in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Palestrina's death. This album contains the only existing recording of his Missa "Descendit Angelus Domini" and the Missa Beatae Mariae Virginis II.