Monteverdi: Messa a quattro voci / Messa in illo tempore (LP)

Audiophile LP transfer of two Monteverdi masses from a celebrated survey of the composer's vocal music. While the Vespers of 1610 remains the most famous example of his application of madrigal style to church music, Monteverdi continued to compose liturgical music in older styles, such as the two masses presented on this LP. in 1641, late in his career and life, Monteverdi published the Selva Morale e Spirituale as a compilation of sacred works he had composed during his tenure as maestro di cappella at St. Mark's Basilica over the previous three decades. The collection Selva Morale contains the Messa a quattro voci, composed for four unaccompanied voices. Meanwhile, the Messa in illo tempore was published in the same 1610 collection as the Vespers. In practice, the earlier work owes more to the polyphonic style raised to a supple perfection in earlier generations by the likes of Palestrina, while the Messa a quattro voci shares with the Vespers a beguiling variety of idioms, encompassing strict counterpoint and free madrigalian Composition. Paired in this way, the two masses demonstrate Monteverdi's extraordinary versatility. Gramophone praised Krijn Koetsveld's direction for its "nuanced chiaroscuro ... supple smoothness and stylish ornamentation" in this music; the singers deliver performances marked by their familiarity with all of Monteverdi's concertante music, both sacred and secular, and they are recorded in a spacious but clear Dutch church acoustic that is attractively showcased on this LP recording. - The LP version of an outstanding recording by Brilliant Classics. - Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) composed two groundbreaking masses that demonstrate his innovative approach to sacred music. "Missa in illo tempore" and "Messa a 4 da cappella" reflect the transitional period between Renaissance and Baroque styles. Monteverdi skillfully combined traditional polyphony with expressive harmonies and bold contrasts, hinting at the dramatic tendencies of the Baroque. The masses display a deep spirituality with moments of serene beauty and passionate intensity. Monteverdi's ingenious use of vocal and instrumental color, coupled with his daring harmonic progressions, cements his reputation as a musical pioneer whose work paved the way for the Baroque greatness to come. - With this recording, Le Nuove Musiche, under the direction of Krijn Koetsveld, presents a new highlight of their Monteverdi pilgrimage, the planned recording of Monteverdi's complete works. Their recording of the complete madrigals received excellent reviews in the international press: "5 stars" (Volkskrant), "A polished, well-balanced sound... musical and intelligent throughout" (Early Music), "Another convincing edition... excellent throughout" (Klassik. com), "Performance: 10th ... an incredibly beautiful, excellent recording..." (Dutch magazine Luister). - "Le Nuove Musiche easily stands comparison with most renowned ensembles in this particular repertoire. We hear everything: great vocal talent, strong imagination, pure text fidelity and diction, sharp-edged articulation in addition to a smooth phrasing, the always rhythmic rhythm with its striking entries and that perfect sense of balance." (Opus Klassiek).