Vivaldi: Nisi Dominus (Psalm 126), RV608

One could be forgiven for being more surprised that sacred music does not account for a more substantial proportion of Vivaldi's life's work, especially in view of his having been ordained a priest. The music on this disc, however, presents the 'other' side of Vivaldi, which in recent years has been gaining increasing popularity thanks to the efforts of such singers as Andreas Scholl. Philips made a pioneering set of a range of Vivaldi's sacred music and from it is culled music on this disc – uplifting and energising.

Vivaldi’s sacred music occupies a place of honour in his vast output, dovetailing passages of great tenderness and sombre beauty, rich in cantabile expressiveness, with highly operatic movements of colourful and exciting virtuosity.

Volume 3 of the complete sacred music features the final and expanded version of Vivaldi’s G minor setting of the Magnificat, his setting of the Vespers Psalm 126, Nisi Dominus, with its strongly characterized instrumental accompaniment, and the dramatic yet poignant Roman motet, In furore iustissimae irae (In the fury of most righteous anger Thou showest thy divine power).