This, the 9th volume in Hyperion's superb survey of Vivaldi's sacred music continues to uncover several gems that are at best, neglected if not completely unknown.
The 'Laudate pueri' is a beautiful work, full of the usual Vivaldi rhythms and the colotura parts that are such a distinguishable timbre of his style. Sampson is on pretty much top form in this work and Robert King's King Consort are certainly on song also.
The Salve Regina that follows also has some beautiful moments but it is altogether a lower key work than the stunning Laudate. King also includes a number of motets and hymns that emphasize the diversity on offer here. Concluding with an energetic 'Gloria Patri' from another Laudate Pueri, King rounds off this superbly recorded disc in great style. Collectors of this series will need no prompting from me.
Copyright © 2003, Gerald Fenech