Audiophile-quality LP transfer of two Monteverdi Masses from an acclaimed complete survey of the composer’s vocal music. While the Vespers of 1610 remain the most celebrated example of his application of madrigal-style writing to music for the church, Monteverdi continued to compose liturgical music in older styles, such as the two Masses presented on this LP. In 1641, late in his career and life, Monteverdi published the Selva Morale e Spirituale as a compilation of sacred works which he had composed while serving as maestro di cappella at St. Mark’s Basilica over the previous three decades. The Selva morale collection includes the Messa a quattro voci, scored for four unaccompanied voices. Meanwhile the Messa in illo tempore was published in the same 1610 collection as the Vespers. In practice, the earlier work owes more to the polyphonic style raised to a sinuous perfection in earlier generations by the likes of Palestrina, whereas the Messa a quattro voci shares with the Vespers a beguiling variety of idioms embracing strict counterpoint and free madrigalian writing. Paired in this way, the two Masses demonstrate Monteverdi’s extraordi nary versatility. Gramophone praised Krijn Koetsveld’s direction for its ‘nuanced chiaroscuro… supple fluency and stylish embellishments’ in this music; the singers deliver performances informed by familiarity with the whole of Monteverdi’s concerted music, both sacred and secular, and they are recorded within a spacious but clear Dutch church acoustic which blooms attractively on this LP transfer. - The LP version of an outstanding Brilliant Classics recording. - Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) composed two groundbreaking masses that showcase his innovative approach to sacred music. “Missa in illo tempore” and “Messa a 4 da cappella” reflect the transitional period between Renaissance and Baroque styles. Monteverdi skillfully combined traditional polyphony with expressive harmonies and bold contrasts, foreshadowing the dramatic tendencies of the Baroque era. The masses exhibit a profound spirituality, with moments of serene beauty and fervent intensity. Monteverdi’s ingenious use of vocal and instrumental colors, coupled with his daring harmonic progressions, solidifies his reputation as a musical pioneer whose work paved the way for the Baroque grandeur to come. - With this recording Le Nuove Musiche conducted by Krijn Koetsveld presents a new highlight in their Monteverdi Pilgrimage, the projected recording of the complete works by Monteverdi. Their recording of the complete Madrigals received excellent reviews in the international press: “5 stars” (Volkskrant), “A polished, well-balanced sound… consistently musical and intelligent” (Early Music), “Again a convincing issue…excellent throughout” (Klassik.com), “Performance: 10. …an incredibly beautiful, excellent recording...” (Dutch magazine Luister). - “Le Nuove Musiche easily withstands the comparison with most renowned ensembles in this particular repertoire. We hear it all: great singing talent, strong imagination, pure textual fidelity and diction, sharp-edged articulation in addition to a smooth phrasing, the ever-rhythmic rhythm with its striking stakes and that perfect sense of balance.” (Opus Klassiek).