The Vespro della Beata Vergine of 1610 was Claudio Monteverdi's first sacred choral publication, included in the same edition with his Missa In illo tempore. The contrast between these two works is striking: while the Mass looked back to the pure Renaissance counterpoint of Palestrina, the Vespers were innovative and looked forward to the Baroque age, with its dramatic tonal contrasts, heightened emotional expressions, colorful instrumentation, and monumental forms. This ecstatic performance by La Compagna del Madrigale, ...
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The Vespro della Beata Vergine of 1610 was Claudio Monteverdi's first sacred choral publication, included in the same edition with his Missa In illo tempore. The contrast between these two works is striking: while the Mass looked back to the pure Renaissance counterpoint of Palestrina, the Vespers were innovative and looked forward to the Baroque age, with its dramatic tonal contrasts, heightened emotional expressions, colorful instrumentation, and monumental forms. This ecstatic performance by La Compagna del Madrigale, Cantica Symphonia, and La Pifarescha, conducted by Giuseppe Maletto, brings out the drama and passion that still make the Vespers compelling after four centuries, and gives the music a resplendence that elevates it above many other historically informed renditions. The chorus consists of two virtuoso groups, the quartet of La Compagna del Madrigale singing the solo parts, and the larger Cantica Symphonia, which consists of 19 singers, providing the full vocal ensemble. The period...
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