This 1993 collection of Monteverdi's Madrigali concertati features very fine performances by the ensemble
Tragicomedia, led by
Stephen Stubbs. The group, which consists of tenors
John Potter and Douglas Nasrawi, bass
Harry van der Kamp, harpist and keyboardist
Andrew Lawrence-King, gambist, and lironist
Erin Headley, with
Stubbs also playing chitarrone and guitar, performs with high energy and obvious delight in the expressive opportunities the composer so prodigally offers his performers. Most of the pieces are from his seventh and eighth books of madrigals, and quite a few have a dramatic element, most notably "Lamento della Ninfa," in which the group is joined by soprano Viveca Axell in an unusually graceful and serene performance. The composer's delightful "Zefiro torna" (which must have been one of Monteverdi's favorite texts because his setting so especially charming), features the two tenors in a fleet chaconne that depicts capricious summer breezes. All the vocalists are remarkable for their pure tone, agility, and ability to convey the music's various humorous, passionate, or tragic affects with complete commitment, but
van der Kamp stands out, particularly in his virtuosic solo "Io che nell'otio nacqui." The instrumental accompaniment is always tasteful, appropriate, and expertly executed. The collection makes a terrific introduction to the musical and psychological depth and variety of Monteverdi's later madrigals, and the completely engaging performances should enchant even listeners who've never ventured into early Baroque vocal music.