New York Polyphony

A New Wind: Hassler & Handl Around 1600, a new wind blows through Central Europe. From Venice, ideas travel northward: polyphony, brilliant sound colors and a musical flair that breathes new life into Franco-Flemish counterpoint. Hans Leo Hassler absorbs that Venetian glow from Andrea Gabrieli and translates it into an elegant, transparent style in Nürnberg. Jacob Handl was also inspired by the Venetian style. He was born in Slovenia and worked among others for the Austrian emperor and the bishop of Olomouc. New York Polyphony – an ensemble worldwide praised for its rich, natural sound and superior musicianship – demonstrates how both composers reconcile southern schwung with northern depth. Around Hassler's Missa super Dixit Maria ad Angelum unfolds a mosaic of motets and psalms. Program: H.L. Hassler: Missa super Dixit Maria | Laudate Dominum omnes gentes | Ave maris stella | J. Handl: Regem natum | Surge propera a.o.