This is Hyperion's second volume in a planned series of sacred music from Claudio Monteverdi's ouevre and I can say straightaway that it is really a winner! The most substantial work is the 'Messa à 4 voci' but there are other gems to be found in the smaller pieces that are no less memorable.
Robert King and his King's Consort are definitely peerless interpreters in this sort of music and they are also joined by a superb team of soloists who generally feature in such period instrument recordings. Sampson is well nigh divine as a soprano and I also enjoyed Covey-Crump's high tenor roles, the purity of his voice is also quite remarkable.
Of the works recorded here it is the Lataniae that is the most beautiful with some ravishing parts for orchestra and chorus. I have nothing but praise for the professional way that the music is interpreted here and the recording is also perfectly suited to the forces involved. John Denham's notes are, as usual, a model of succinct detail and clarity. Those who have missed the first volume in this series are advised to make amends without delay!
Copyright © 2004, Gerald Fenech