Monteverdi: Sacred Vocal Music

On this CD:

1. Su le penne de' venti, (Prologue to "La Maddalena" by Gio. Battista Andreini), for tenor & 5 instruments, SV 333
Composed by Claudio Monteverdi
Performed by David Evan Thomas, Emma Kirkby, Parley of Instruments, Ian Partridge

2. Work(s)
Composed by Claudio Monteverdi
Performed by David Evan Thomas, Emma Kirkby, Parley of Instruments, Ian Partridge

3. Iste confessor Domini sacratus (I), motet for tenor & 2 violins (from Selva morale e spirituale), SV 279
Composed by Claudio Monteverdi
Performed by David Evan Thomas, Emma Kirkby, Parley of Instruments, Ian Partridge

4. Laudate Dominum, O omnes gentes, motet for bass (from Messa a quatro voci, et Salmi), SV 197
Composed by Claudio Monteverdi
Performed by David Evan Thomas, Emma Kirkby, Parley of Instruments, Ian Partridge

5. Work(s)
Composed by Claudio Monteverdi
Performed by David Evan Thomas, Emma Kirkby, Parley of Instruments, Ian Partridge

6. Work(s)
Composed by Claudio Monteverdi
Performed by David Evan Thomas, Emma Kirkby, Parley of Instruments, Ian Partridge

7. Ab aeterno ordinata sum, motet for bass (from Selva morale e spirituale), SV 262
Composed by Claudio Monteverdi
Performed by David Evan Thomas, Emma Kirkby, Parley of Instruments, Ian Partridge

8. Nisi Dominus aedificaverit domum (I), for soprano, tenor, bass & 2 violins (from Mass for 4 voices & Psalms), SV 200
Composed by Claudio Monteverdi
Performed by David Evan Thomas, Emma Kirkby, Parley of Instruments, Ian Partridge

9. Deus tuorum militum sors et corona, motet for alto, tenor, bass & 2 violins (from Selva morale et spirituale), SV 280
Composed by Claudio Monteverdi
Performed by David Evan Thomas, Emma Kirkby, Parley of Instruments, Ian Partridge

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Reissued here in the Hyperion top-20 bestseller series, this recording was praised lavishly on its release in the early 1980s, and won a coveted rosette in the Penguin Guide. It's not hard to understand why. Emma Kirkby is at her bewitching best. The honeyed sounds of Ian Partridge melt the soul. David Thomas sings with all of the character that made him one of the most sought-after basses as the early-music revival gathered pace. The music is a perfect vehicle for the talents of all three, and comes from Claudio Monteverdi's later years, when he had moved on from the large-scale choral and instrumental works we know so well from the Vespers of 1610, to the new fashion of intimate works for small vocal and instrumental ensembles that spread across Europe--intimate, but offering to the performers many opportunities to introduce color and personality of a quasi-operatic nature. The playing of the Parley of Instruments is a model of discretion and sensitivity throughout. Shut your eyes and imagine that you're in St. Mark's in Venice; St. Jude-on-the-Hill in Hampstead was chosen for the exemplary recording because it has similar dimensions to that famous space. --Andrew Green

Tracks:

Adagio
Geistliches Lied, Op.30
Agnus Dei
Ave Verum Corpus
Libera Me
Ave Verum Corpus, Op. 65-1
Agnus Dei
Gott Ist Mein Hirt (Psalm 23)
Crucifixus A 8
Beatus Vir (Psalm 112)
Christus Factus Est (Philippians 2: 8-9)
Pie Jesu
Hear My Prayer, O Lord (Psalm 102, V. 1)
Ruht Wohl

Amazon.com

Building on the enormous success of the first Agnus Dei disc, its successor offers more of the same musical mood, but with a few surprises too. One of the hits of the first album was John Cameron's arrangement of Elgar's Nimrod, using the words of the Lux Aeterna. Here he really rolls his sleeves up and similarly tackles the Albinoni-Giazzoto Adagio (using the words of the Beatitudes) and the Intermezzo from Bizet's second L'Arlésienne Suite (using the text of the Agnus Dei). The role of the orchestra (the excellent ensemble Capricorn) has been expanded, and Edward Higginbottom himself has arranged a delicious string septet accompaniment to Brahms's Geistliches Lied. Much of the music is of the kind that the choir obviously eats for breakfast--which is not to say that they ever sound bland or tired, just at home. The one weak track is Monteverdi's Beatus Vir, which needs voices of more sophistication and agility than the boys can provide. That aside, this is another album that should do their reputation no harm. --Warwick Thompson

Customer Reviews:

Could be better.......2006-07-08

After owning Agnus Dei I for years, and somehow misplacing the CD, I decided to buy both I and II from Amazon. Of the CD's, I is still my favorite. Agnus Dei II is a decent CD, but it doesn't have the fluidity or the dynamics that the first disk has. I guess I got spoiled with the first disk.

Good choral CD, but . . . .......2006-01-22

Agnus Dei II is a really good choral CD with a more otherworldly sound than most choral offerings. But the first Agnus Dei is better, amazing really. Own both, but if you only want one, get the first one.

WTH?.......2005-07-14

I bought this CD because it said Eamon as an artist. WTH? I can't find Eamon anywhere on this CD. It says Eamon on the other one, but I'm not even going to try. Never again will a buy a CD associated with Agnus Dei.

LAST WORD: Don't buy this if your buying it for Eamon music.

Albonini's Adagio (Beatitudes) is an Italianate emotion feas.......1999-06-11

I happened upon this album while looking for some choral works for a church choir. Not schooled in the literature, I had never heard of Tomaso Albinoni. His Adagio ("Beatitudes") is a choral emotion feast in Italian style, the likes of which I have never heard before. Unless...did the Coppollas (pere et fils) use it in the soundtrack to Godfather 3? I'm not sure. Great piece. The rest of the album is okay. Standard fare.

Awesome music - fidelity a bit lacking.......1999-02-16

The opening song "The Beatitudes" by Albinoni is incredibly moving, so much so that the other songs have a hard time comparing. Overall, excellent, although the fidelity could be greatly improved. I had to crank up my volume 30-40% higher to achieve a comparable volume and noticed some distortion (in the recording, not my system) that was a bit distracting. Still, an outstanding CD.

Average customer rating:

A Fabulous Baroque CD:

The King's Consort Collection

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The King's Consort Baroque Collection
Essential Handel
Concert for the Prince of Poland
Handel: Complete Violin Sonatas

ASIN: B0007PHARO
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Customer Reviews:

A Fabulous Baroque CD: .......2006-08-27

I love baroque music, so this was a natural for me. I borrowed the CD 3 times from our library, and finally realized that I simply had to have it. It is sung by the King's Consort Choir, directed by Robert King, and using period instruments in the orchestral ensemble. They play pieces I was not familiar with, but which I have come to love, such as Monteverdi's Laetatus Sum, and old favorites like Vivaldi's Gloria. There is a fresh, beautiful sound that makes the music come really alive for me. I recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Religious Hit Parade
Very uplifting

25 Sacred Choral Favorites

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Ave Maria
Choral Masterpieces
25 Vivaldi Favorites
The Only Choral CD You'll Ever Need
Great Choral Music

ASIN: B0000058IM
Release Date: 1997-07-01

Tracks:

Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus - George Frideric Handel
Messiah: For Unto Us A Child Is Born - George Frideric Handel
Laudate Dominum - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Magnificat: Esurientes - Johann Sebastian Bach
B Minor Mass: Credo - Johann Sebastian Bach
B Minor Mass: Crucifixus - Johann Sebastian Bach
Avinu Malkeinu - Jewish Traditional
O Magnum Mysterium - Giovanni Pierluigi Da Palestrina
Estote Fortes in Bello - TomLuis de Victoria
Stabat Mater: Opening Movement - Giovanni Pergolesi
Stabat Mater: Quae Moerebat - Giovanni Pergolesi
Stabat Mater: Fac ut Ardeat - XXGiovanni Pergolesi
Gloria: Opening Movement - Antonio Vivaldi
Stabat Mater: Eja Mater - Antonio Vivaldi
Magnificat: Quia Fecit - Claudio Monteverdi
Requiem:: Dies Irae - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Requiem: Lacrimosa - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Tzadik Katamar - Louis Lewandowski
Sanctus From Mass In A-Flat - Franz Schubert
Requiem: Libera Me Domine - Gabriel Faure
Requiem: Pie Jesu - Gabriel Faure
Ave Verum - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The Creation: Achieved Is The Glorious Work - Franz Josef Haydn
Messiah: Since By Man Came Death - George Frideric Handel
Messiah: Amen - George Frideric Handel

Customer Reviews:

Religious Hit Parade.......2002-04-08

I was torn between four and five stars for this album. In the end, it got five because of the inclusion of the two wonderful traditional Jewish songs - "Alvinu Malkeinu" and "Tzadik Katamar". They are the highlights of the disc for me (no, I'm not Jewish, but that doesn't matter) - and really, where else are you going to find this kind of music?

This CD serves the same purpose as a sampler disc - enticing the listener to buy the full works - Handel's "Messiah", Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater", Faurè's Requiem Mass, and what have you. Believe it or not, I had never heard any of "Messiah" - not even the Hallelujah Chorus in its entirety - before I purchased this CD. Now I realize what I've been missing and checked it out from the local library. Ditto for the unearthly beauty of Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater" - check out the samples of "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" and "Quae Moerebat" if you don't believe me.

The quality of the performers is excellent, and how can ANYONE pass up that price???? That is what ultimately clinched it at a solid five stars. I consider this CD one of my greatest finds - you will too.

Very uplifting.......2000-05-21

This is a great bargain CD with excerpts from some familiar classics and some lesser known treasures. Many listeners, including myself, will want to own the complete performance of most of these works, but this CD is a good way to hear composers such as Lewandowski and Pergolesi, whose works may not already be a part of your music library. The opening movement of Vivaldi's Gloria as performed by the Atlanta Symphony and Chorus conducted by Robert Shaw is terrific. True to his reputation as one of the greatest choral conductors of all time, everything sounds just right under his baton. The other performances were not as highly distinguished in my humble opinion, but overall most of them were good, and many were excellent. For Handel's Messiah though, I highly recommend Sir Georg Solti conducting the Chicago Symphony and Chorus, starring Kiri Te Kanawa (once you hear the Solti version, most other Messiah performances don't feel as moving). And if you enjoyed this CD, you'll really love Kiri Te Kanawa's Ave Maria album.

Tracks:

Confiterbor tibi, Domine (Psalm 110)
Now Hath Flora Robbed Her Bowers
Stript Of Their Green Our groves Appear
Voglio di vita uscir
Piangono al pianger mio
Flow Not So Fast, Ye Fountains
Foy Porter
Columba aspexit
Sheep May Safely Graze
Time Stands Still
Diana
Quel squardo sdegnosetto
Maledetto sia l'aspetto
The Lark
Move Now With Measured Sound
Sharp Thorns Despising
Sich tiben im Lieben
You Meaner Beauties Of The Night

Customer Reviews:

Interesting music interestingly sung.......2007-02-01

Much of this vocal music is from an era with which I am unfamiliar. It ranges from the work of Hildegarde of Bergen (1098-1179) to Handel (1685-1759); obviously, this album covers much territory! Emma Kirkby displays her virtuosity on this CD. The notes from the CD say that "One of the favorite adjectives used by critics. . .is the word 'celestial.'" At a later point, the notes speak of Kirkby further: "There is a freshness, an openness, an honesty about her voice. . ."

Some comments on works randomly selected.

Monteverdi's "Confitebor tibi, Domine." Here, Kirkby displays a clean light voice. She exhibits a spirited "Gloria Patri" with some spare but interesting ornamentation.

Campion's "Now hath Flora robbed her bowers." This cut shows off to good effect the agility in her voice.

John Dowland, "Flow not so fast, ye fountains." Here is displayed her smooth voice; her singing flows smoothly from one note to the next. There is a poignancy in her singing on this piece.

Guillaume de Machaut, "Foy porter." She treats the redoubtable de Machaut well; his works are some of the best of his time. This is smoothly song and does his work justice.

Hildegarde of Birgen, "Columba aspexit." This is the oldest composition on this CD by far. The work is spare, but well sung. There is a hypnotic quality to the work and Kirkby sings it well.

Lawes, "The Lark." Again, nice agility of her voice is displayed.

Other compositions on this CD are by Purcell, J. S. Bach, Sigismondo d'India, and Handel.

All in all, a nice sampling of the work of Emma Kirkby. I was not much familiar with her work before listening to this CD, but I am delighted that I did purchase this work.

The marriage of skill and magic.......2007-01-12

Ms. Kirby's voice is limpid, exquisitely pitched, strong, and yet beautifully refined. Her command of her voice is extraordinary, with phrasing, delicate embellishments and what I think are some vocal cadenzas, all showing the skill and craft of an artist who has brought her artistry to its highest state. But she makes her artistry sound so easy, so natural: nothing of bravura, nothing forced here. The selections are wonderfully chosen; together, they give us the whole range of early to late Baroque, in every mood. Each listening refreshes the spirit. What an artist!

There is no such thing as too much Emma Kirkby.......2002-07-16

The only defect in this disk is that it isn't a three or four disk set. Some people don't appreciate her beautiful voice and I feel sorry for them. I first heard her voice live in a concert here in Ann Arbor in December of 1980 and she stunned me. The memory of her beautiful voice still lives in my mind and heart.

Well, this disk gives us 18 selections from a number of different composers from the Baroque. Every one of them is a treasure and has its own charms. I can't pick a favorite, but I can say that each of these pieces show off her voice and singing style in different ways.

Yes, I wish she had included more Purcell and something even nicer than what we have on track 3, but what would I give up? Well, that is where I say we need this to have been a two or three disk collection.

You won't go wrong with this wonderful disk!

emma's pure and magical voice........2000-10-16

This cd shows Emma's versatility as a Baroque and early music performer. Her pure voice matches the music so well. I really enjoy the song "You meaner beauties of the night." This is only one among many cd's which shows Emma's great voice. I highly recommend the Emma Kirkby collection.

Voice of an Angel!.......1999-07-20

One of the most beautiful angelic voice in the world! But I don't think this collection shows her best recording pieces.

Average customer rating:

Monteverdi: The Sacred Music, Vol. 4

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Sacred Music, Vol. 2
Monteverdi: The Sacred Music, Vol. 1
Monteverdi: The Sacred Music, Vol. 3
Monteverdi: Vespers 1610
William Byrd: Laudibus in sanctis

ASIN: B000BOIWTG
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Tracks:

Laetatus Sum I
Salve Regina
Domine, Ne In Furore Tuo
Salve Regina I
Dixit Dominus II
Sanctorum Meritis II
Adoramus Te, Christe
Beatus Vir
Exulta, Filia Sion
Magnificat II
Salve, O Regina, O Mater
Laudate Dominum Omnes Gentes III

Average customer rating:

Sacred Music, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Monteverdi: The Sacred Music, Vol. 1
Monteverdi: The Sacred Music, Vol. 4
Monteverdi: The Sacred Music, Vol. 3
Monteverdi: Concerto Settimo Libro dei Madrigali
William Byrd: Laudibus in sanctis

ASIN: B0001O2H6K
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Tracks:

Exultant Caeli
Venite, Siccientes
Currite Populi
Ego Dormio
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Sanctus
Benedictus
Agnus Dei
Cantate Domino
O Beatae Viae
Laudate Dominum
Letaniae Dell Beata Vergine

Average customer rating:

A warm, joyful baroque Christmas celebration
An excellent performance

A Baroque Christmas

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

A Renaissance Christmas / Cohen, Boston Camerata
Medieval Christmas
English Medieval Christmas
A Mediterranean Christmas
American Christmas

ASIN: B000005J0W
Release Date: 1992-08-25

Tracks:

A Minuit Fut Fait Un Reveil
Noels Pour Les Instruments: Noels Pour Les Instruments: Joseph est Bien Marie
Noels Pour Les Instruments: Or Nous Dites Marie
Noels Pour Les Instruments: Une Jeune Pucelle
Noels Pour Les Instruments: Vous Qui Desirez Sans Fin
Noels Pour Les Instruments: Ou S'en Vont Ces Gais Bergers
Hodie Christus Natus Est
Nun Jauchzet Mit Hellem Ton
Laudate Dominum - Claudio Monteverdi
Non Recedet Laus Tuus
Salve Regina - Claudio Monteverdi
The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation - Henry Purcell
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Kyrie
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Gloria
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Credo
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Offertoire
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Snactus
Messe De Minuit Sur Des Airs De Noel: Agnus Dei

Customer Reviews:

A warm, joyful baroque Christmas celebration.......2004-12-07

The beautiful, varied, and well-chosen repertoire on this disc will keep you returning to it season after season. We start with a 17th-cantury French NOEL, lovingly and simply rendered a cappella by Richard Duguay. There follow some more French carols in instrumental arrangements by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, two traditional plainchants, some sumptuous madrigal-style pieces by Schein and Monteverdi, Purcell's florid and expressive vocal monologue for the Virgin Mary, and finally the most substantial piece on the disc: Charpentier's Christmas Midnight Mass, a very interesting work based on French carol themes. The performances by the Boston camerata are warm and vibrant. This early baroque Christmas disc is a real winner.

An excellent performance.......2000-09-18

This cd is the Baroque equivalent of the Medieval and Renaissance Christmas albums of the Boston Camerata. It has the least varied repetoire, in part because of the Charpentier Mass - Messe de Minuit sur des Airs de Noel, a work well worth having in its entirety. There are two pieces that are chant and a marvelous piece from Germany in an Italian style - Nun Jauchzet mit Hellem Ton - to which the notes say there are two sets of words, the one recorded here in praise of the Christmas festival, the other celebrating the amorous delights of nymphs. With such a delightful piece of trivia, how could the cd fail?

While the Boston Camerata gives its normal skilled performance, they are not as spectacular as they are on earlier music. They still are among the better interpreters of Baroque music, but it is not their speciality.