Following two wonderful Monteverdi albums from Deutsche Grammophon, reviewed earlier in the year (the composer’s 450th anniversary), Decca has now produced its excellent recital by singers and musicians of early music specialists I Fagiolini (directed by Robert Hollingworth), reinforced by the English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble and eight singers of the "The 14" (University of York).
Recorded in St George’s Church, Chesterton, Cambridge, this features some of the loveliest works from Monteverdi’s Selva morale e spirituale collection, arranged into a vespers format.
There are sacred works from the end of Monteverdi’s life, plus the music of some of his contemporaries such as Palestrina, Gabrieli and Frescobaldi.
The opening Deus in adiutorium, by Viadana, shows the outstanding instrumental sounds on display from beautiful and impressive cornetto embellishments.
Monteverdi’s celebrated Beatus vir (track 9) is preceded by his Confitebor tibi, Domine and other items. To make the collection sound like an authentic vespers church service, the album is set with antiphons, collects and short excerpts between the main works.
There are many highlights in the record, topped by Giovanni Gabrieli’s 14-part Magnificat, rich in sound and passion with a sumptuous instrumental accompaniment.
Monteverdi’s Laudetti pueri has two sopranos weave a beautiful duet, Castello’s Sonata for violin and organ impresses, and Francesco Usper’s Sonata 8 is played
most majestically by the early-Baroque-style instruments.
Hollingsworth contributes interesting accompanying booklet notes for his Other Vespers, with texts and translations included. It is a wonderful feat: creating a new vespers such as might have been observed in Venice or southern Italy in the early 17th century.
Verdict: Brilliant compilation of 16th-century music.
- Geoff Adams
