Splendore a Venezia – Music in Venice
from the Renaissance to the Baroque
Various Artists
ATMA ACD2 3013
This compilation disc was created to accompany the exhibition presented at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts this season from October to January focusing on the interrelationship between the visual arts and music during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, In addition to paintings, the show features historical instruments, musical texts and manuscripts. For the recording, the ATMA label draws from its catalogue works by composers who figure in the exhibition, including Monteverdi, Gabrieli, Rossi, Vivaldi andAlbinoni, performed by local Montreal artists and their guests. There is a cornucopia of instrumental and vocal works offered, bringing to life the rich, festive tapestry of Venetian society. The Académie baroque de Montréal offers a stunning performance of a Vivaldi concerto with the late Washington McClain as oboe soloist. Perhaps in honour of the string instruments on display at the gallery, such as the Koch archlute, a lovely Ballo secondo by Kapsberger features chitarrone and harp.
Vocal ensemble Les Voix Baroques and Tragicomedia perform Gabrieli’s madrigal Due rose fresche and Monterverdi’s Laetatus sum. Charles Daniels and Colin Balzer delight in Monterverdi’s whimsical Zefiro torna and the superb voice of Karina Gauvin soars through the lovely Vivaldi aria “Addio Caro.” A delightful surprise is Benedetto Marcello’s setting of Psalm 15 gorgeously sung by Israeli mezzo Rinat Shaham. For those looking for a reason to brave the cold in Montreal this winter, the exhibit is a must-see; for all others, vicarious enjoyment through the music, complete with a full-colour booklet illustrated with several of the works presented in the MMFA exhibition.
