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Claudio MONTEVERDI (1567-1643) The Sacred Music: Vol. 4 Laetatus sum I [6:37] Salve Regina [4:20] Domine, ne in furore tuo [2:45] Salve Regina I [8:39] Dixit Dominus II [5:26] Sanctorum meritis II [3:20] Adoramus te, Christe [4:35] Beatus vir [8:19] Exulta, filia Sion [5:07] Magnificat II [9:26] Salve, o Regina, o Mater [5:00] Laudate Dominum omnes gentes III [4:27] Carolyn Sampson (sop); Rebecca Outram (sop); Cecilia Osmond (sop); Daniel Auchincloss (high tenor); Rogers Covey-Crump (high tenor); Charles Daniels (tenor); James Gilchrist (tenor); Peter Harvey (bass); Robert Evans (bass) Choir of the King’s Consort The King’s Consort/Robert King rec. St Jude-on the-Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, 12-18 Feb 2004. DDD HYPERION CDA67519 [69:24]

Monteverdi was a composer equally at home in the worlds of opera, secular madrigals and sacred music – in which category he is particularly famed for his Vespers. This is the fourth volume of Hyperion’s highly acclaimed series of Monteverdi’s sacred works with Robert King and the King’s Consort. The pieces (mostly motets) are drawn from both Monteverdi's own Selva Morale e Spirituale and anthologies compiled by other contemporary publishers. As with the previous three volumes, all the works included are absolute gems – brimming with exquisite craftsmanship and intense beauty of musical language. There is a good range in the forces employed – some works are for solo tenor only, others for soloists alone, choir, or all soloists and choir, providing an interesting variety. I was particularly taken with the vivacious and aptly jubilant setting of Laetatus sum – which includes some nice word-painting (listen out for "ascenderunt"!), and the gorgeous, lilting Beatus vir. The syncopation of Domine, ne in furore tuo is delightful, as is the curious combination of the Salve Regina text with that of Audi coelum in the beautiful Salve Regina for tenor duet, with its wonderful echo effects. The disc concludes with the glorious Laudate Dominum omnes gentes. The performance is, as would be expected of such a well-respected group as the King’s Consort, of a consistently high standard, with both excellent ensemble and solo singing. This is not surprising when one notes that the soloists include Rogers Covey-Crump, Charles Daniels and James Gilchrist. I was impressed by both the textural clarity and the beautifully poised flow of the interweaving voice lines. The internal balance is good, and the musicians respond to each other with a confidence that is a joy to hear. This disc comes highly recommended. Em Marshall       Advertising on Musicweb Donate and keep us afloat   New Releases All Naxos reviews All Chandos reviews All Hyperion reviews All Foghorn reviews All Troubadisc reviews all Bridge reviews all cpo reviews Click to see New Releases Get 10% off using code musicweb10 All Divine Art reviews All Eloquence reviews All Lyrita Reviews   Obtain 10% discount Recordings of the Month April2022 Chopin Bruce Liu Ingeneri Volume 2 Mondonville - Titon et L'Aurore Telemann - French Cantatas 1   March 2022 Brahms Symphony 4 MacMillan Larghetto for Orchestra Bruch Violin Concertos Debussy Preludes Book 2 Jan-Peter de GRAAFF Cello Concertos La Nuit étoilé Berlioz. Holmes

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