Giovanni Gabrieli

Italian composer and organist Giovanni Gabrieli was born in Venice around 1554-57. He probably studied with (and may have been brought up by) his uncle, the composer Andrea Gabrieli. He also studied in Munich with Orlando de Lassus, who became a major influence on Gabrieli's style.

Returning to Venice, he was principal organist at St Mark's Basilica from 1585 (following Claudio Merulo) and, after Andrea Gabrieli died, was principal composer there too. He spent much time editing his late uncle's music.

Later he took on another post - that of organist at the prestigious Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice. His work there made him one of Europe's most notable composers. He concentrated mostly on sacred vocal and instrumental music, and exploited the two choir loft design at San Marco to create spatial effects in his music.

Giovanni Gabrieli began to suffer from illness from 1606 onwards, and he died in his fifties on 12 August 1612 from kidney stone complications.

 

A selection of articles about Giovanni Gabrieli

Spotlight. A Brilliant Issue - Gerald Fenech wholeheartedly recommends madrigals by German composer Johann Grabbe. 'Emma Kirkby's glowing soprano alone makes this recording not only an absolute delight but also a listening experience in a class of its own.'

Ensemble. Full of Vitality - Mike Wheeler listens to the Solus Trumpet Ensemble at the 2022 Buxton Festival

Ensemble. Three Days in Ravenna - Giuseppe Pennisi samples Northern Italy's high profile and wide-ranging arts festival

Ensemble. Woman for all Seasons - Gerald Fenech returns to Festival Maribor in Slovenia

CD Spotlight. Widely Spread - Christmas music from Caius College Choir, recommended by Keith Bramich. '... high-quality singing with lovely rounded tone ...'

A Luminous Experience - The Derwent Singers perform music by Fauré, Tallis, Byrd, Gabrieli, Eric Whitacre and John Rutter, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Meltingly Beautiful - Christmas music from the Vasari Singers, unstintingly recommended by Howard Smith. '... exemplary radiant style and élan ...'

Ensemble. Musical Outlooks - Bill Newman attends a selection of concerts at London's Wigmore Hall

Ensemble. Splendid Richness - Music from Goldsmiths Chamber Choir and Brass Ensemble, heard by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Mice in the Manger - A selection of Christmas music, enjoyed by George Balcombe. '... an amazing collection.'

Ensemble. Genuine Appreciation - Robert Hugill at a concert by Londinium City Voices

Ensemble. Spell-binding - Venetian Baroque music from The Derbyshire Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Changing moods - The Derwent Singers and Sinfonia Chorale, appreciated by Mike Wheeler