The text is by Vittoria Colonna, one of the most popular poets of the day. The poems of the Sonetti Spirituali are religious, but Vinci gives them secular settings.
His florid polyphony compellingly illuminates the text. Every note (and concordance of notes). conveys the emotional content of the poetry. And in some cases, as when melodies rise and fall, the more literal aspects as well.
These five-voice madrigals receive fine performances from the assembled quintet. Anney Barrett, soprano, and Steven Hrycelak, bass, sing the outer voices. The remaining three are all sung by tenors; Matthew Anderson, Jason McStoots, and Michael Barrett.
The resulting vocal blend is actually more diverse than I anticipated. The tenors at times provide a homogenous center that throws the outer voices in relief. But when necessary, they can move apart to make contrapuntal lines easier to follow.
The Nota Bene early music ensemble appears on several tracks, helping to vary the sound of the program. The viols cover a wide range; treble, alto, bass and great bass viols are used. The different instruments help shade the music in subtle ways.
There's a serenity to this music I found quite appealing. If you're willing to take an hour out of your stressful day and turn your thoughts (and ears) to something higher, this is a recording for you.
Pietro Vinci: Quattordeci Sonetti Spirituali
Anney Barrett, soprano; Matthew Anderson, Jason McStoots, Michael Barrett, tenors; Steven Hrycelak, bass
Nota Bene viol consort with Julie Jeffrey, bass viol
Toccata Classics
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