Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The "Red Priest", as Antonio Vivaldi was known, left an enormous quantity of music in many forms, of which sacred music holds a place of honour. His religious idiom alternates passages of great tenderness and sombre beauty with highly operatic movements of colourful and exciting virtuosity making Vivaldi one of the most recognisable of the great composers. There are four works on this budget-priced CD. "Laudate Pueri Dominum" (RV 600) and "Canta In Prato, Ride In Monte" (RV 623) feature the Canadian soprano Tracy Smith Bessette. "Stabat Mater" (RV 621) and "Clarae Stellae, Scintillate" (RV 625) show off the talents of the Marion Newman, a Native Canadian contralto. If your interest is in singing them these two ladies are well worth the price of admission. Musical accompaniment comes from the talented Aradia Ensemble under the assured direction of Kevin Mallon. The brief assessment is that if you like Vivaldi then you will enjoy this release and, at the price, could afford to start building a collection. If you are new to Vivaldi's sacred music you may prefer to start with Volume One. And if you have no idea about whom I am writing then start with 'The Four Seasons'.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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