C. Monteverdi Monteverdi: Vespro Della Beata Vergine

One of the most grand and eloquent liturgical works ever written, Monteverdi's Vespers has enjoyed near-perpetual favor with performers and listeners since its composition in 1610. It may have been written for use as an "audition" piece for the position of maestro di cappella at the famed St. Mark's cathedral in Venice. Whatever its motivation, this is a most ambitious and stylistically fascinating compendium that sets out the eight chants of the Mass Ordinary, interspersed with four motets and an instrumental piece. The 90- minute work includes soloists, chorus, and orchestra. Not until Bach would there be a religious work on this scale. Gardiner and his Monteverdi Choir adopt a decidedly "un-period" sound on this mid-'70s recording, with free vocal vibrato and a mix of modern and period instruments. This two-for-one disc set also includes motets by Monteverdi, Gabrieli, and Bassani. --David Vernier