Wert: Vox in Rama

Of all Monteverdi’s works, the Missa in illo tempore marks the most important link between the composer and the Franco-Flemish polyphonic tradition. It is here presented alongside motets by Giaches de Wert, maestro di cappella at the Mantuan court at the time when the young Monteverdi was engaged there as a violinist.

Also included here are world premiere recordings of three recently-discovered Marian motets by Monteverdi that were recorded in the splendid acoustic of the Basilica di Santa Barbara in Mantua.

The Flemish-born composer Giaches de Wert was one of the multitude of foreigners who dominated Italian music in the mid-to-late16th-century. Due to his significance in Italy his music had a marked influence not only on his contemporaries but also on future generations, particularly Monteverdi. By 1581, he had reached his full maturity as a madrigalist and parallel techniques abundant.The highlight is Vox in Rama - a fitting end to a set in which de Wert successfully adapts his foremost stylistic qualities, employed so effectively in his madrigals, to the sacred genre. As part of King's College Choir, the choral scholars sing in the chapel's daily worship services, which remain the choir's raison d'être, as well as maintaining a busy concert, recording and touring schedule. As Collegium Regale (Latin for King's College), the choral scholars perform independently of the choir, singing a repertoire that encompasses 15th Century sacred music, jazz, folksongs and pop.