Vocal ensemble Stile Antico releases ‘Divine Theatre’ on Harmonia Mundi today.
The recording explores the fascinating sacred music of Giaches de Wert. Best known as a madrigalist, Wert is often cited as as a major influence on Monteverdi, but his religious works have until now received little attention. A consummate word-painter, Wert was drawn to narrative texts, which allow his uniquely dramatic style full reign – most memorably in the stories of Christ calming the storm and the conversion of St Paul.
The recording follows on from the group’s previous discs on Harmonia Mundi and has already received critical acclaim:
‘This selection of motets, mostly for five or six voices, is unexpectedly rich in imagination, variety, and often sheer joyful energy, and the performances boast a high-quality technical brilliance.’
Richard Fairman, Financial Times, January 2017
‘[This is] the magic of great music, especially when it’s performed with utmost skill. Stile Antico brings this highly varied selection of Wert’s beautiful motets to life brilliantly.’
Jon Sobel, Blogcritics.com January 2017
‘Divine Theatre’ is available to buy from Stile Antico’s website.