The Italian composer and organist Andrea Gabrieli was, in his career, closely associated with his native Venice. In 1566 he was appointed organist at St Mark’s, a position he held until his death.

Sacred and Secular Vocal Music

Gabrieli was a prolific composer and was influenced by his friend Lassus, whom he had met in 1562 in Germany when both were part of the entourage of Duke Albrecht V of Bavaria during the latter’s state visit to Frankfurt am Main. His compositions include Mass settings, motets, madrigals and music to celebrate various state occasions in Venice. He developed further the technique of cori spezzati (contrasted vocal and instrumental groups), continuing the tradition of the Flemish composer Willaert (maestro di cappella at St Mark’s from 1527 until his death in 1562).