Best Sackbuts of 2024

If you're curious about the composers featured on 'L'Arte dei Piffari' by Ensemble Ventosum, you're looking at a nice variety of historically significant names. The album dives into Italian music from the late Renaissance to early Baroque periods—think around 1580 to 1650. It's cool because it showcases music that would have been performed at big events like princely weddings. From what we've found, the album includes pieces by acclaimed composers like [Giovanni Gabrieli](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgiovanni%2bgabrieli%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Palestrina](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpalestrina%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and [Cipriano de Rore](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dcipriano%2Bde%2Brore%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). These guys are known for their contributions to sacred polyphony, and that's really a big part of the album. The selections mix things up with instrumental motets and madrigals, originally written for voices but now interpreted by Ensemble Ventosum in an instrumental style. A highlight of the ensemble's performance, according to our research, is their innovative approach to the music. They don't follow a strict hierarchy, allowing more creative freedom and a touch of improvisation, while still keeping things historically accurate. This gives each piece a fresh and spontaneous feel. The group features cornettists and trombonists, with an organist thrown in, to really capture the essence of the period's music. David Vickers, a professional reviewer, picked up on how they bring out the contrapuntal textures in pieces like [Luca Marenzio](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dluca%2Bmarenzio%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)'s six-part madrigal 'Chi dal Delfino.' William Dongois, one of the performers, gets special praise for his cornett playing, which shows off the instrument's elegance. All in all, 'L'Arte dei Piffari' is notable not just for its historical sounds but also for its educational value, with beautifully detailed notes. It's a great find for music lovers and anyone into early Italian wind music. Definitely worth checking out if historical interpretations of music are your thing.

If you're curious about late Renaissance and early Baroque music, "L'Arte Dei Piffari" by [Ensemble Ventosum](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DEnsemble%2BVentosum%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is worth checking out. It dives into Italian music from around 1580 to 1650, focusing on the cornetts and sackbuts—those distinctive brass instruments that really defined the sound of that era. The album uses period instruments to capture the music authentically. It features compositions usually heard at grand princely occasions, along with instrumental pieces like motets and madrigals. Some top composers from that time, including [Giovanni Palestrina](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DGiovanni%2BPalestrina%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and the [Gabrieli brothers](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DGabrieli%2Bbrothers%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), are prominently showcased, giving you a sense of the ceremonial and religious music of Renaissance Italy. Ensemble Ventosum adds their unique spin by blending historical accuracy with creative interpretation. They have a collaborative style that lets each musician contribute openly, which adds a lively, dynamic vibe to their performances. This method keeps the performances both historically respectful and refreshingly energetic. Our research indicates critics appreciate the ensemble's skillful execution of complex musical textures. David Vickers from Gramophone highlights their precise yet emotional interpretations, noting how they manage to make each piece truly engaging. If you're into historical music performances or intrigued by Renaissance brass sounds, this album might be a great pick for you. It's available for around $20.99 as an Audio CD, or you can get it in MP3 format for $8.99. It's also on [Amazon's Unlimited](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DAmazon%2BUnlimited%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) streaming service. With its careful selection of tracks, "L'Arte Dei Piffari" offers a fascinating exploration into early music that's enjoyable for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to the genre.

The album *L'Arte dei Piffari - Cornetts & Sackbuts in Early* by [Ensemble Ventosum](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DEnsemble%2BVentosum%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) covers a really interesting slice of Italian music history, from the late Renaissance to the early Baroque period, roughly between 1580 and 1650. This collection is all about capturing the essence of music from grand events like princely weddings, featuring instrumental motets and madrigals. Brought to life by Ensemble Ventosum, who are all about playing historically informed performances with period instruments like cornetts and sackbuts, the album offers an authentic take on the music. The group was founded by William Dongois, Antoine Poitrineau, and Fabien Légee who pour their passion into these performances. You'll find pieces by well-known composers like [Giovanni Palestrina](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DGiovanni%2BPalestrina%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Cipriano de Rore](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DCipriano%2Bde%2BRore%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Orazio Vecchi](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DOrazio%2BVecchi%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and [Giovanni & Andrea Gabrieli](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DGiovanni%2BGabrieli%2BAndrea%2BGabrieli%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). One standout aspect is the amazing performance by cornettist William Dongois, especially when tackling the more complex compositions by the Gabrieli duo. From what we've found, the album is praised for its depth and variety, with a range of textures and tones that really capture the grandeur typical of Renaissance brass, while also offering something new. If you're into Renaissance and Baroque music, this album is a rich dive into those periods, particularly if you dig the unique sound of historical brass instruments. Some tracks might feel a bit less lively compared to more familiar tunes, but overall, our research shows that the recording and presentation are well-loved, making *L'Arte dei Piffari* a solid choice for anyone interested in this musical era.