De Monte's music was considered to be for "connoisseurs," characterized by a refined and subtle setting of text that avoided exaggerated dramatic gestures.
Composer's Artistic Vision
De Monte, a convinced humanist, aimed to create a perfect link between classical philosophy, Christian virtue, and the world order of his time through his highly crafted madrigal art.
Critical Reception
Despite his significant reputation during his lifetime, Philippe de Monte is less appreciated by modern music lovers and musicologists compared to his contemporaries.
Composer Biography
De Monte held the prestigious position of Hofkapellmeister (court chapel master) to the Imperial Court for thirty-five years, first in Vienna and then in Prague.
Interpretation
The instrumentation on this album, featuring lutes and viols, reflects the preference in 16th-century aristocratic circles for stringed instruments over wind instruments for accompanying voices.
Composer Biography
Philippe de Monte (1521-1603) was a prolific composer, writing close to eight hundred works, including secular and sacred madrigals, chansons, masses, and motets.
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