"... John Butt and the Dunedin Consort have produced a recording of excellent quality, which succeeds in drawing the listener into the sumptuous multi-faceted aural world of early seventeen-century Italian choral music ... John Butt delivers a fresh, modern performance that allows the individuality of the soloists to shine. Their diction is clear, especially when they sing duets they produce a blend which is exceptional, while the instrumentalists present  a historically well-informed performance, with just the right balance of resources to match the singers. To those not acquainted with the magnificence of this sonic experience, this CD will surely whet the appetite for more."

*****

ICMA Baroque Vocal Award Nominee

“...sublime and majestic...”

“...Given the outstandingly tuned singing and ensemble, the result is to expose Monteverdi’s often dazzling counterpoint in rare detail and clarity...a finely conceived and splendidly executed achievement. ...” *****

“This is a first-rate recording...the sounds of the Dunedin’s strings and His Majestys Sagbuts and Cornetts are exceptionally well-blended and beautifully captured in this intelligent and well-produced recording...” *****

“...The performance by John Butt and his ensembles is lively and colourful ...”   ****

“...With so many Vespers recordings out there, this one joins the ranks of those with both a character of its own and something to say.”

Performance *****          Recording ****

“...This compelling and insightful album is an outstanding contribution to Monteverdi's 450th anniversary... Particularly effective is the coloristic sonority of the organ which, by employing the Hauptwerk system, reproduces the sound of an early Venetian instrument...” 

Album of the Week

'”If you want some Monteverdi in your life, you can’t do better than this new recording...”

“..the recording sounds fresh and clear...”  ****

“...Any recording by Butt is an event. And this one, recorded with a small, hand-picked choir of ten voices, is special even by his elevated standards.”  *****

“...a virtuoso display of individual talents.” ****

“...a magnificent choral sound...”