Marcello Psalms

The Psalms of David that were published in Venice in eight folio volumes (1724-1726) bring into convergence an array of approaches to composition. Yet all of them pursue a single goal: to suit the antiquity of the subject to allusions to antiquity in the music. Peter Gay's term "pagan Christianity" sums up Marcello's methods of appealing of the sensibilities of other enthusiasts of "classical culture." Among other composers, Marcello was precocious in adopting this aim. Among Venetian noblemen, he was a leader in the breadth of intellect and the depth of his commitment.

Marcello rapidly won converts to his championing of musical antiquity by sending drafts of each volume to composers and intellectuals who were viewed as leaders at the time. ==