The Viadana Collective - Viadana: Sacri Concentus (CD)

Details: In 1614, Lodovico Grossi da Viadana (1560-1627) published his most important collection of monodies. A truly monumental contribution to the vocal solo repertoire, it comprises one hundred motets with basso continuo, twenty-five for each of the four main vocal registers. This collection survives today in only two copies of it's 1615 German print with the title Centum sacri concentus ab una voce sola. Overlooked in modern times, it has so far remained in the shadow of Viadana's earlier publications. With this project, the nine soloists of the Viadana Collective explore these forgotten motets and present them alongside organ improvisations and works for four, five, six and eight voices and instruments. The beauty of this music is revealed through sonically varied and richly adorned renditions making the most of the magnificent acoustics of the Basilica Palatina di Santa Barbara and the glorious radiance of it's 16th-century Antegnati organ.