CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI (1567-1643)

 

Monteverdi Series: 1

 

Flaming Heart

 

I Fagiolini / Robert Hollingworth (Director)

 

The immensely popular I Fagiolini launches an exciting new series of secular works by Monteverdi, challenging the accepted pre-eminence of the Italian groups.

 

I Fagiolini are currently enjoying a greatly increased public profile, following the Royal Philharmonic Society ‘British Ensemble’ award earlier this year – only the second time in history that the award has gone to a vocal ensemble.  The group celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, with many performances taking place worldwide in recognition of this milestone.

 

Under the expert guidance of Robert Hollingworth, I Fagiolini have created an imaginative approach to presenting often unfamiliar music, and their performances are always informed while communicating the spirit of the music instantly and vividly.

 

Flaming Heart seeks to show the full Monteverdi, a Monteverdi of both beauty and horror, colourful, vivid, and always completely alive. Unlike the ‘complete edition’ approach this series presents a much more imaginative selection of his works, beginning with the prologue from L’Orfeo and continuing with the very best of his works for a capella ensemble, soloists and strings.

 

In this new series, I Fagiolini bring contemporary passion with up to date scholarship on issue from gut strings, continuo choices and ornamentation – this is a Monteverdi for both the 16th and 21st century.

 

On the Monteverdi performances:

…some of the most exquisitely intense vocal music ever written…

The Times

 

Anyone who has ever loved and lost cannot fail to be moved by this.

Early Music Review

 

Chandos Chaconne CHAN0730