We know very little about the life of Giovanni Battista Corvo (fl. 1554-5). His Liber primus mutettorum quinque vocum was published by Antonio Gardano in Venice, in 1555. He was probably from Como and dedicated the collection to Alessandro Farnese. Some of Corvo's motets are rather uncommon, as they are designated to unusual Saints like St. Julian, St. Severin and St Provino di Como ("Beati Provini Episcop Comensis"). The last three motets of the Mutettorum quinque vocum are the outstanding Qui primum terris for six voices, dedicated to Camillo Mentovati, Apostolic Nuncio to Poland, Cum terris cuperent caelestia for eight voices, dedicated Ippolito II d'Este, and Nunc dimittis, for nine voices (SSAAATTBB).
Giovanni
Battista Corvo (fl. 1554-5)
Mutettorum
quinque vocum (Venice, 1555)
22 motets 5vv,
6vv, 8vv and 9vv
Surge propera |
SATTB |
|
Cenantibus illis |
SATTB |
|
Impetum inimicorum |
AATBB |
|
Nunc dimittis |
SSAAATTBB |