Martini: Mass for the Night of Saint Francis / Motets

On the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, this release is dedicated to the sacred music of Padre Giambattista Martini (1706–1784). The Franciscan, church musician, teacher, and distinguished musicologist composed an incompletely preserved Mass as well as several motets in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.

From these works, Marcello Rossi and Giacomo Contro, together with the Ensemble San Pietro, have reconstructed a complete "Franciscan" Mass. In addition to the parts of the Mass, several motets are performed, including "Exultate o stelle beate", "O divi amoris" and "Salvete Sacra Stigmata". The result is a program that combines Martini's sacred music with his personal connection to the Franciscan Order.

An accompanying musicological text by Marcello Rossi and Giacomo Contro illuminates the connection between the composer and his holy patron through historical documents.