Alessandrini’s Monteverdi interpretations resound with passion…a brilliantly conceived, scholastically sound and liturgically plausible sequence, burnished with spiritual sincerity.

The resonant yet exquisitely transparent acoustic weaves its spellbinding magic on the single voices and accomplished instrumentalists of Concerto Italiano...Much of the music-making has perfect conversational qualities...Concerto Italiano's distinguished performances constitute their most essential Monteverdian work in donkey's years.

[a] triumphant return to Claudio Monteverdi … the instrumental playing throughout the disc is technically superb and beautifully nuanced.

Alessandrini has drilled his players so successfully that they carry all the power of a chorus at full steam combined with the virtuosity of a quartet. ...Alessandrini reveals his skill with this music by realising all of it with just the right amount of atmosphere, allowing it to come alive...a marvellous achievement, and an exciting addition to the discographies of both Alessandrini and Monteverdi himself.

The most experienced Monteverdians in the business are helped by the thrilling acoustic of the Basilica Palatina di Santa Barbara, in Mantua, whose properties are closest to those of St Mark’s. The cornetti and trombones sound majestic, but it is the clarity, tonal purity and vivid diction of the vocal soloists and ensemble that make this a triumph.

Alessandrini finds both expressive breadth and immediacy through pungent instrumental playing and a first-rate mix of solo and ensemble voices...The behind-the-scenes DVD offers some useful background as an adjunct to a superlative CD.

an immediacy that comes from a freer, highly text aware approach to rhythms, and the earthy qualities of singing are present in this new album in spades along with some ravishing instrumental playing.

spectacularly natural sound quality (as expected from Naive), with superb balance and soundstaging, reveals the inner majesty of this music. Whether as a historical document or a joyous listening experience, I recommend this disc wholeheartedly.

Vocal and instrumental contributions are perfectly judged, and the intimate scale of the conception is captured perfectly by the engineers.