In the magnificent cathedrals of Italy, music of baroque composers resonated throughout heavenly architecture as ancient sculptures of saints and luminous paintings by Tiepolo, Caravaggio and Cortona looked down upon the faithful. Through Corelli, the pastoral imagery and poetical escapism of Arcadia came knocking at the cathedral doors and resounded high into the vaulted ceilings of Italy’s churches. Corelli’s music, with its stunning suspensions and rhythmic dynamism had inspired Antonio Tonelli who transformed the master’s trio sonatas into sublime sacred vocal works of ravishing beauty. Virtually unknown, these motets are preserved in an obscure Italian manuscript, dating from about 1735 and demonstrate how beautifully Corelli’s instrumental language could be adapted to the needs of the human voice. Corelli had been held in such high esteem, that he was honored and imitated by countless composers throughout Europe - including Couperin & Dandrieu in France and Telemann in Germany.