Monteverdi Vespers

Truro Cathedral – 20th March 2010

Review by Judith Whitehouse

Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 will undoubtedly receive more performances this year than any before – the international scope of the 400th anniversary celebrations confirm not only the greatness of the work but also the extent to which ‘early music’ and authentic instruments have become mainstream over the last 40 years. The professional standard of this Three Spires performance was exemplified by Petroc Trelawny’s splendid introduction, Paul Comeau’s erudite programme notes and a recent workshop on the Vespers to brief the singers on every aspect of the work, from historical content to vocal technique.

The arresting opening – solo bass Reuben Thomas chanting from the West Gallery, answered by a blazing astringent toccata from choir and orchestra – set the scene for the evening. Conductor Christopher Gray had taken the trouble to maximise the spatial and acoustic potential of the Cathedral and achieve contrasts between the mainly choral psalms and virtuoso motets for the soloists. Nigra sum, with tenor Ben Alden demonstrating Monteverdi’s use of florid almost operatic style, sopranos Natalie Clifton-Griffith and Sophie Bevan blending beautifully in Pulchra es at the west end, and the sound of three tenors, Ben Alden, Nicholas Hawker and Kieran White interweaving melodies in vocal and spatial evocation of the Trinity were highlights of the first half.

The psalm settings produced some glorious sound from the choir, in two groups for maximum antiphonal effect; Christopher Gray’s keen attention to articulation and rhythm ensured constant delight and Truro Cathedral’s choristers made a magical sound intoning plainsong against virtuoso instrumental ritornelli – the cornetti, most fiendish to play, produced their penetrating sound flawlessly, the players equally versatile on recorders later, though generally the noted baroque band Charivari Agreable were outshone by the exceptional quality of solo and choral voices.

In the concluding Magnificat, an inspiring extended setting, the solo soprano, and basses Darren Jeffery and Reuben Thomas, made the most of their virtuoso passages and the ethereal echo effects of the Gloria with Nicholas Hawker singing from the gallery, did full justice to one of the great moments in music. All credit to Christopher Gray for his thorough presentation and inspired direction, to a wonderful team of soloists and to the three Spires Singers for their total commitment to such taxing music – the final moments of glorious sound resonating round the Cathedral (matching the golden glow from the many ikons currently on exhibition) were truly moving and produced a huge ovation from the large audience – a magnificent and magical evening.