Monteverdi Vespers Of 1610
Acis, 2023
8/10
Listen to Monteverdi Vespers Of 1610
The esteemed artistic director Matthew Robertson guides The Thirteen ensemble, Dark Horse Concert and Children’s Choir Of Washington through 2 discs of powerful and intimate performances.
“Deus, in audjutorium” opens the listen with soaring voices making for a very warm climate, and “Antiphon: Dum esset rex in accubitu suo” follows with a higher register of soothing and dreamy singing that emits a bright tone.
Deeper into the listen, “Duo Seraphim” welcomes Aaron Sheehan, Steven Soph and Oliver Mercer to the richly layered vocals, while “Nisi Dominus” is a highly melodic album highlight that radiates so much beauty.
Moving to the 2nd disc, “Hymn: Ave maris stella” hosts Michele Kennedy’s glowing pipes amid Katelyn Jackson and Edmund Milly’s expressive voices, and “Magnificat” exits with 5 chapters that utilize string, winds and voices with much care and strong attention to tone.
A listen with plenty of operatic gestures, choral singing and well timed brass, the involved pieces draw us in immediately and repeatedly.
Travels well with: Michele Kennedy- Agave: In Her Hands; Shawn Crouch- Chaos Theory