This special soundworld will be brought to life with period instruments played by the Musical and Amicable Society, accompanying Cambridge Renaissance Voices, praised by Early Music Review for their “beautifully controlled” performances informed by “understanding and passion”.
In Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610, the solemnity and splendour of Venetian religious rites meet the drama of early opera in a strikingly original fusion of musical styles. From the dramatic opening fanfare quoting Monteverdi’s opera Orfeo to the closing hymn Ave Maris Stella celebrating the Virgin Mary and the city of Venice as “star of the sea”, Monteverdi’s settings of psalms and motets in the Vespers are a magnificent and joyous experience for the listener. They will be combined in this performance with music by Monteverdi’s forerunner at St Mark’s, Giovanni Gabrieli, including his spectacular polychoral motet Omnes Gentes.
Lovers of early music will need no persuasion, but if you haven’t ever heard the unique sound of sackbuts and cornetts or a theorbo, this is your chance!
Monteverdi Vespers
Cambridge Renaissance Voices with The Musical & Amicable Society, Great Malvern Priory
Saturday 30th May, 7.30pm
Tickets: Monteverdi Vespers at Great Malvern Priory event tickets from TicketSource
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