Monteverdi: arias and madrigals. Magdalena Kozena (mezzo soprano), Archiv CD
She was well-received for her Vivaldi album on this label and an earlier Deutsche Grammophon disc of Monteverdi "hits''.
Here are selections from L'incoronazione di Poppea, Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda and other operas.
She sings sublime duets with Anna Prohaska (soprano) in Pur ti miro and Zefiro torna, adding to the enjoyment of this CD.
The world-class baroque orchestra provides another dimension and all 12 tracks are recorded in crystal-clear tones.
I thought a human ear was on the cover, then saw it was a blurred image of Kozena under an umbrella!
Verdict: Most enjoyable Monteverdi.
Songs From Before. Max Richter (piano, electronics) Deutsche Grammophon CD
I prefer his electronic treatment of classical sounds.
Spoken passages read by Robert Wyatt in a couple of works failed to impress.
The opening track, Song, needs to be played at louder volume, when its repetitive organ melodies mix nicely with subtle strings and the electronic percussion sends gorgeous deep throbbing thunder as signposts into the mix.
I have enjoyed playing this several times. Other tracks to impress were Autumn Music (two versions), Harmonium following the intrusive voice, and Flowers for Yula after its opening with radio chatter.
Verdict: Introducing electronics into classical sounds.
