From the outset it should be said that this – sumptuous – album of Monteverdi’s Selva morale e spirituale (literally Moral and Spiritual Forest) doesn’t feature the complete collection of some forty titles contained in the master’s last work published in 1640, but rather a carefully minded selection of fifteen titles to provide the broadest possible overview of the various styles as well as melodic and choral genres approached by Monteverdi, with indeed a penchant for the sacred. A complete collection would have required three to four hours… Let’s get to the point: Pablo Heras-Casado’s reading at the head of the Balthasar Neumann Choir and Ensemble is absolutely stunning, allowing ample room for the vocal and instrumental colours (because Monteverdi quite specifically described the instrumentations and alternations between vocals and instruments) and sound layers so specific to the Venetian language. Undoubtedly Heras-Casado has proven to be not only an excellent symphonic conductor, but also that he fully understand the art of vocals and the writing of the Renaissance. © SM/Qobuz