Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The date is significant: Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) wrote this in 1610, not long after he redefined opera with 'L'Orfeo'. This new setting of the service of Vespers for the Blessed Virgin Mary, to translate its title, may have been intended to catch the ear of prospective employers at St Mark's in Venice, being in a style that was considered modern then - and still sounds cutting edge today. However, not wishing to close any doors, Monteverdi also wrote a more conservative six-voice Mass setting in the older style still preferred in Rome. For this latest recording Leonardo Garcia Alarcon has assembled an excellent and perfectly balanced choir, The Chouer de Chambre de Namur, along with eight equally adept soloists. The period instrument specialists of Cappella Mediterranea match the vocalists in every department and it is difficult to find any fault whatsoever. The title piece lasts about 70 minutes, hence the double CD, but we get full value with the addition of a 'Magnificat'. This is enjoyable but it is the Vespro that still stands out more than 400 years after its composition and this outstanding performance means it sounds as fresh and vital as Monteverdi intended it to.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.