This recording takes Monteverdi’s later books of Madrigals and fittingly showcases his truly innovative writings of this time. The set is compiled nicely, with contrasting love and loss madrigals sliding effortlessly back and forth, and includes truly beautiful examples of sestina and five-part madrigal. The stunning vocal interplay in the shorter pieces is a true highlight of the album. James Gilchrist sings with his usual strength, tenderness and verve, clearly no stranger to turning his talents to early music. But it is Arcangelo who finally cement their place as one of the leading groups in Renaissance performance.
Four and a half stars
