Search - Antonio Vivaldi, Robert King, King's Consort :: Vivaldi: Sacred Music, Vol. 1

The greatest Vivaldi anywhere!

jprell | Illinois | 07/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Looking for clear, crisp, exciting, passionate choral music? This is the most *perfect* Vivaldi I can imagine--King has auditioned all of Britain to assemble what is perhaps the most amazing ensemble of all Baroque music. The musical (i.e., NOT warbly and incomprehensible) soloists, the perfectly in-tune and crystal-clear boys' choir, the strong male chorus--only add to the wonderfully expressive double-orchestra (complete with period instruments) which King conducts with wonderful mastery. I picked up this CD as probably my fiftieth Vivaldi collection, expecting a so-so performance of somewhat long-winded works. WAS I EVER wrong!!! My personal favorite on the CD is the short but extremely powerful Credo, with its pulsating and rhythmic (yet always lyrical) opening, its subdued but chilling Crucifixus (the pamphlet commentator eloquently describes this as the voices of a few spectators in the crowd watching Christ carry his cross--what a great discription!), and its envigorating end. This is no "standard" or "traditional" (i.e. fall-asleep) interpretation--this is fire, this is light, this is music come alive.The enormous and "opulent" Dixit Dominus is wonderful, too. I simply can't communicate how well this ensemble understands and conveys the music--no, not only the music, but the meaning of the words. Imagine yourself in a grand European cathedral, with the sounds of sacred music echoing through the entire church, bringing life and purity to the scripture--the music surrounding, permeating, uplifting. THAT's what this CD is all about.All I can say is: buy this CD. It deserves every award in its domain."

The perfect sacred music!

Christian W. Conkle | Grinnell, IA USA | 09/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The work of Antonio Vivaldi is often ignored by students of classical music. His name lacks the prestige of many other "popular" classical composers. But Vivaldi's work is a particular and fantastic type. For those not familiar with Vivaldi, his work is a very light and active counterpoint to the sacred music we may be familiar with. This disc and the others in this series flawlessly demonstrate Vivaldi's skill. The mix of moods is quite equal to the powerful works from the Bible or the various Catholic rites (in Latin, of course!) to which they are set. "Fecit Potentiam" is fantastically powerful, the Credo is exciting and uplifting. This recording is a must for any lover of sacred music, and anyone who enjoys the works of Vivaldi."

Antonio Vivaldi- Sacred Choral Music

Renan Salgado | New York | 09/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I believe classical music to be among the greatest manifestations of the existence of a Soul. In these compositions by Antonio Vivaldi, one can surely feel the composer's invitation to meditate upon our unique feelings of compassion, forgiveness, love, passion, repentance and other wonderful human traits. This particular title will get a lot of play time in your house, and I am sure it will be borrowed by many."