World-premiere recordings of music by the old masters often are disappointing because, well, there’s a good reason why these particular pieces have remained in obscurity for hundreds of years. Happily, that’s not the case here. In fact, these Vesper Psalms by Victoria were only recently authenticated from a previously-known Roman manuscript (Manuscript 130 of the Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emmanuele II) and are all the more fascinating in that their existence among the composer’s oeuvre was a complete surprise. This revelation, brought to vibrant, authoritative life by the four voices of the extraordinary Spanish group La Colombina (why haven’t I heard of them before?), is to our advantage as fans of and eager listeners to Victoria’s more established masterpieces.
The ensemble has arranged the program to highlight these 10 psalms in an artificial but liturgically respectful context–the collection is not aligned with a particular office of Vespers but rather suits a variety of of uses. As such the psalms are preceded by appropriate antiphons and, to my great delight, the program is augmented by the inclusion of several superb but rarely heard motets (Quam pulchri sunt gressus tui; Senex puerum portabat; Ne timeas Maria, etc.), along with the Magnificat secundi toni and the hymn Ave Maris stella. The singing is absolutely first rate; these four voices are not only technically solid but also are ideally balanced to the point that you never are distracted by the dominance of one voice–not even the countertenor! Fans of this music, this period, and this composer absolutely must not miss this recording; the music is thoroughly engaging and of the highest “Victorian” standard. And we can only look forward to hearing more from this phenomenal vocal quartet as soon as possible. Bravo! [9/12/2008]
