This is a thrilling disc. Each of the four motets is scored for soprano and strings, and a glance at the texts gives you some idea of how much fun we’re in for: In turbato mare irato (In the turbulent, wrath-torn sea goodly peace is wrecked); In furore giustissimae irae (In the fury of your righteous wrath you wield your sovereign power). Okay, the other two are a bit calmer, but you’d never know from the vibrant string writing and insanely florid vocal lines. Aside from the extended setting of Laudate pueri Dominum, which runs more than 23 minutes even in this lively performance, the other three works consist of two arias (allegro and largo) separated by a brief recitative, concluding with an exciting Alleluia. Religious music never sounded more entertaining.
Patrizia Ciofi is simply amazing. Anyone who can get through all 10(!) numbers of Laudate pueri Dominum with their lungs and vocal chords intact deserves our respect (and perhaps pity), but Ciofi emerges from the fray completely triumphantly, negotiating rapid passages with heart-stopping bravura and still finding a melting legato for the lovely Gloria Patri toward the end. The highlight of the disc, from a purely lyrical point of view, is “Resplende, bella” from In turbato mare irato, a gorgeous Larghetto that requires great sensitivity and breath control from the singer. And Ciofi really does attack the opening numbers of the above two “wrath” motets, vividly characterizing the words without ever compromising her phenomenal technique. It almost goes without saying that Fabio Biondi and Europa Galante are with her every step of the way, and the sonics are outstanding. Spectacular! [11/15/2004]
