There’s a brand new vocal group that’s writing and recording some outstanding Catholic sacred music. Floriani, a four-piece choral ensemble, emerged in 2021 with this stellar arrangement of “Salve Regina,” featured above.
The music is simple in its composition, with a solo voice soaring over a pianissimo drone. With a melodic line that’s just dripping with quarter-tones, the style is very reminiscent of early Christian music from the Middle East. In fact, Floriani describes the work as a “mystical union of East and West.”
Floriani
Floriani is a group that is dedicated to serving the Church and saving the culture through the beauty of sacred music. On their website, they write of their mission:
“We believe that dedicated practice of sacred music is an essential element of daily Christian worship, and our mission is to revitalize this tradition in communities around the country. St. Hugh of Cluny once spoke of how the learning, practicing, and singing of liturgical chant is a sure way to grow in holiness, in closeness to the Word, and in submission to the discipline of singing God’s praises. Floriani has taken these words to heart, and it is our intent to inspire and educate the next generation of Catholic musicians in the spirit of this beautiful inheritance.”
In May, Floriani released their second song, “Ave Maris Stella,” by medieval composer Giovanni Matteo Asola. This recording shows off the exceptional sound the ensemble can produce. They effortlessly glide through the polyphonic hymn, which is made robust by the rich bass voice.
Floriani is just starting out, but their two releases have us excited for what may come next. Visit their YouTube page and subscribe to get in on the ground floor of this wonderful new sacred music ensemble
