From 1608 Frescobaldi was the organist at St Peter's Basilica in Rome. In 1615 a new basilica was built with two fine organs upon which Frescobaldi performed his famous improvisatory toccatas during ceremonial occasions but he was also expected to provide vocal and choral works for his patron, the Ferrara based Este efamily. It is likely that the Mass 'Sopra l’aria della Monica' was performed in the basilica and based on a popular tune. The 'aria della Monica' was a secular song, quite often used for keyboard variations and instrumental compositions. The mass reflects common practice in Rome in that is scored for eight voices in two choirs and is a beautifully crafted example of late 17th-century Italian church music. Amongst the singers are such familiar names as Rossana Bertini, Giuseppe Maletto (both La Venexiana, La Compagnia del madrigale), Marco Beasley, or Furio Zanasi. Musical direction is in the able hands of Alessandro De Marchi. Formerly available on the Symphonia label, recorded in 1993. Virtually no competition.