What element is Gabrieli known for incorporating into religious choral music?

Gabrieli is particularly noted for his innovative use of brass music in religious choral compositions. He was among the first composers to effectively integrate brass instruments into the choral music of the late Renaissance, creating a rich sonority that enhanced the overall textural and harmonic complexity of his works. This approach was notably applied in the context of sacred music, where the grandeur and resonance of brass complemented the vocal lines, adding layers of depth and brilliance to the performance.

Gabrieli's seminal works, especially those composed for St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, exemplify this blend, as he exploited the spatial qualities of the architecture with antiphonal techniques involving brass and other instruments. The use of brass not only provided a contrasting color but also sacrificed neither the clarity of the vocal lines nor the overall spiritual essence of the choral music. This integration marked a significant evolution in the development of religious music and set the stage for future composers to explore diverse instrumental combinations in their sacred works.