Monteverdi: Selva morale e spirituale, Vol. 1

Featuring

Harry Christophers
The Sixteen
Claudio Monteverdi

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Composition History

Claudio Monteverdi published "Selva morale e spirituale" in the final years of his life, making it his largest collection of sacred music since his 1610 Vespers and his last published music collection.

Compositional Technique

The "Beatus vir" setting on this album incorporates material borrowed from Monteverdi's light-hearted madrigal "Chiome d'oro" (Tresses of gold).

Composer's Artistic Vision

Monteverdi's sacred music, like his operas, follows his dictum "recitar cantando" (speak through singing), allowing for expressive freedom and intuitive time relationships.

Composer Biography

Monteverdi, choirmaster of St. Mark's in Venice, also composed and directed sacred music for other Venetian churches and institutions, which significantly supplemented his regular salary.

Compositional Technique

The "Confitebor" setting is headed "alla francese" (in the French manner), a style Monteverdi's brother claimed he introduced to Italy, featuring alternation between solo voice and tutti.

Performer Biography

The Sixteen, led by founder Harry Christophers, is recognized as one of the world's greatest ensembles, known for early English polyphony, Renaissance, Baroque, and 20th-century music.

Recording & Production

This recording was made "in the round" at St John's, Smith Square, London, with instruments and singers arranged for eye contact to facilitate subtle musical interplay.