VIVALDI: Gloria in D, RV 589; Motet in C minor, “In furore lustissimae irae”, RV 626; Concerto in D minor, RV 535; Motet in D, “Ostro picta”, RV 642; Magnificat in G minor, RV 610 – Monika Mauch, soprano/ Shannon Mercer, soprano/ Josee Lanlonde, alto/ Matthias Maute, Sophie Lariviere, recorders/ Ensemble Caprice/ Matthias Maute, conductor – Anakleta 2 9917, 66:17 ****:
Because of Vivaldi’s long term work at the orphanage Ospedale della Pieta, where only girls were allowed, it has been thought in some circles that many of his choral works were perhaps designed for their specific vocal ranges. Hence the temptation to perform some of his works with female-only ensembles. There is no question that he enjoyed a synergistic relationship with the girls of the school, and it became famous far and wide for the quality and technical accomplishments of the performers.
But Vivaldi indicated quite clearly in many of his scores (like the famous Gloria) a distinct and traditional soprano-alto-tenor-bass vocal spread, and while not impossible it seems unlikely that he would have composed this music directly for a female choir and used this clef notation. Fortunately this release is not particularly doctrinaire about all of this, and is presenting this music solely as a way of demonstrating what may have happened at the orphanage, and how the music would have sounded. So how does it sound? Very nice, thank you. Of course, the harmony is much, much closer in that the distance between soprano and bass makes the actual sound quite closed, but it also has an intensity and special timbre that make it unusual and pleasing.
These choral works will not replace your favorites, but they do make nice supplements to your favorites.The other pieces here are examples of Vivaldi’s motets, sung to radiant perfection by the two sopranos, and a nice concerto for two recorders. The 13-member choir and 16-member period band play with genuine persuasion and enjoyment, captured in nicely balanced sound. All in all this is a well-conceived concept album of great interest and impeccable performances done in spirited and true Vivaldian style, and are guaranteed to provide enjoyment. Cheerily recommended.
— Steven Ritter
