Music of the seventeenth century was little known to the concertgoing or record-buying public, up until fifty years or so ago when Monteverdi’s Vespers were performed under the inspiration of figures such as Michael Tippett as part of a modern revival of early music. Subsequently, it has been one of the most celebrated works both with choral societies and early music specialists. Here, the Rodolfus Choir offer their interpretation of one of the most magnificent works of the seventeenth century. Following their highly successful release with Signum earlier this year, Choral Arrangements by Clytus Gottwald, the Rodolfus Choir perform earlymusic as sensitively and musically as they perform music of the twentieth-century.
"...The sound of choir and ensemble massed together is altogether pleasing, and the playing of the Southern Sinfonia is arguably this set’s greatest strength"
Fabrice Fitch
"There’s something truly joyful about Ralph Alwood’s Rodolfus Choir ... eloquent conviction of its young members ... By raising the lyrical qualities of Monteverdi’s ground-breaking work above its dramatic, Allwood and his team forge a persuasive interpretation rich in nuance and fine details. ...A highly rewarding listen" ****
Andrew Stewart
"...This non-liturgical performance is terrifically fresh, especially in ’Dixit Dominus’, ’Lauda Jerusalem’ and the cross-rhythms of the Sonata ’Sopra Sancta Maria’ ... great spirit and originality"
Anthony Pryer
"They make a light, bright, exciting sound as evidenced by this terrific double CD of Monteverdi’s Vespers ... real spring in their tone ... crystal diction throughout" ****
Rick Jones
