Monteverdi: Scherzi Musicali A 3 Voci, Venezia – L’EsaEnsemble

Choir & Organ (Jan, 2019)
Now for three Monteverdi releases. On Scherzi Musicali a tre voci 1607 six female singers of L’Esa Ensemble throw themselves with ecstatically Italophone authenticity, failing to blend, and their intonation is the stuffof nightmares. A shame because, in spite of a brittle recording, the delightfully jaunty playing of a variety of instruments by the Baschenis Ensemble is perfectly stylish and pleasing. A double CD of Monteverdi Madrigali Libri V & VI offers more refined repertoire in thoughtful, well-constructed performances by Le Nuove Musiche from the Netherlands, managing fair but inconsistent Italian, delicacy of feeling and lovely clarity of recorded sound. Finally, to add to the pre-existing shelfload, here’s …