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 family.

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 and 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.

Track Listing:
1. Toccata II
2. Introit: Civitas Hierusalem
3. Kyrie I
4. Christe
5. Kyrie II
6. Gloria
7. Epistle: Lectio Epistolae beati Pauli
8. Gradual: Canzona XI a due canti detta la Plettenberger
9. Gospel: Dominus vobiscum
10. Credo
11. Offertory: Ricercar dopo il Credo
12. Preface: Per omnia saecula saeculorum
13. Sanctus
14. Elevation: Toccata IV per l'organo da sonarsi all'Elavazione
15. lesu flos Mater Virginis
16. Pater Noster: Per omnia secula seculorum
17. Agnus Dei
18. Communio: Ego sum panis
19. Post Communio: Canzon II a due canti e due bassi 
20. Ite Missa est: Ite Missa est   
21. Capriccio V sopra la bassa fiamenga