Biography
Croce, an Italian composer focused on songs—above all madrigals, together with sacred motets, masses, and canzonettes—helped shape the sacred cantata even though that genre never reached complete realization in his own pieces. His output stands comparison with Morley, who appears to have drawn influence from him, and with his contemporary Gabrieli. While his masses contain hints of keyboard support, they never stipulate its use. The motets are arranged for small choirs lacking a true soprano, reflecting the broader trait that none of his works venture into extreme ranges. He favored double choirs and often combined responsorial choruses with occasional solo voices, thereby anticipating the early cantata. His compositions circulated through much of Europe, reaching Germany, England, and the Netherlands. Although his own travels stayed minimal, his influence proved wider than those journeys might imply.
Singles