Search - Claudio Monteverdi, Delitiae Musicae :: Claudio Monteverdi: Madrigals Book 4

Highest recommendation

Robert Bezimienny | Sydney, NSW Australia | 01/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A stunning recording of these pieces, which range from the openly beautiful to passages of sadness, vexation, and grief. The Naxos booklet provides an interesting essay by the ensemble's conductor, Marco Longhini, with techincal and aesthetic appreciation of each madrigal, and some history relating to the scene in which Monteverdi composed - a sample can be read by visiting the Naxos website.

*

The recorded sound quality is phenomenal. The all-male ensemble is flawless, with the countertenors being particularly powerful. The recording was made at the Chiesa di San Pietro in Vincoli, Verona, and the acoustic is wonderfully full and resonant while retaining exemplary clarity."

Stellar!!

Brooks Gingerich | Portland, OR | 10/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Monteverdi really brings forth a new style of counterpoint in this fourth book. He incorporates some baroque elements to the polyphonic and homophonic textures in the late renaissance. His harmonies are more than fulfilling for the extremely passionate texts he chooses to match. What a gnarly album."