Monteverdi The ‘Lost’ Vespers
ACIS, 2024
9/10
Listen to Monteverdi The ‘Lost’ Vespers
The inimitable Matthew Robertson leads the ensemble The Thirteen through these late period Monteverdi pieces, where strings and winds are also present and appreciated amid the many voices.
“Domine in adjutorium, from Selva morale e spirituale” begins the listen with warm and emotive singing that unfolds with much grace alongside the rich and textured strings, and “Dixit Dominus primo á 8, from Messa e quattro voci et salmi” follows with a distinct intimacy via the harmonic vocals that are aligned with powerful instrumentation.
In the middle, “Laudate Dominum, from Messa e quattro voci et salmi” is particularly striking thanks to Edmund Milly’s expressive bass-baritone, while “Sanctorum meritis primo, from Selva morale e spirituale” recruits Sheila Dietrich and Katelyn Grace Jackson’s gripping sopranos for the lovely and touching album highlight.
Residing near the end, “Laetaniae della Beata Vergine á 6, from Messa e quattro voci et salmi” benefits much from Carrie Krause’s precise violin and Adam Pearl’s moody organ, and “Magnificat primo, from Selva morale e spirituale” exits with the flowing voices radiating tremendous beauty, and Doron Sherwin and Kiri Tollaksen’s cornetto prowess won’t go unnoticed, either.
A meticulous effort that balances light and dark moments and is never short on truly gripping instrumentation thanks to The Thirteen’s inestimable skills, Robertson continues to impress.
Travels well with: Rami Levin- Wings; Trinity Church Boston/Colin Lynch- The Great Glad Tidings Tell: Carols From Copley Square