Monteverdi: Vespers 1610

Dunedin Consort , John Butt (Conductor),

If you want some Monteverdi in your life, you can’t do better than this new recording of his Vespers from the Edinburgh-based choir the Dunedin Consort, under their music director John Butt, a man of many talents: a first-class musicologist, a communicator with a gift for explaining complex points, and an excellent conductor.

Mail On Sunday

A brisk bright sounding performance and if you miss the grandeur of the larger forces you gain in clarity,transparency and rhythmic flexibility as well. And the standard of solo singing is outstanding, beautifully ornamented.It’s typical Butt, he’ll have you rethinking how Monteverdi’s Vespers might sound and it’s a well matched recording as well.

BBC R3: Record Review 

This compelling and insightful album is an outstanding contribution to Monteverdi’s 450th anniversary.

BBC Music Magazine  *****