Monteverdi in Mantua: The Genius of the Vespers

[Serial_Apologist]

Next Saturday, April 4 9-10 pm, on BBC2

[doversoul1]

Simon Russell Beale travels to Italy to explore the story of the notorious Duke of Mantua and his long-suffering court composer Claudio Monteverdi during the turbulent times of the late Italian Renaissance. Out of the volatile relationship between the duke and the composer came Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610, a major turning point in western music. The Sixteen, led by Harry Christophers, explore some of the radical and beautiful choral music in this dramatic composition.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02kqxmc

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02llr7k

Many thanks for this. It certainly looks much more worthwhile waiting for than that ****Bach programme. However, has it got to be The Sixteen that provides the music? Yes, it is a superb choir but,…well, I suppose being able to join SRB in English is a big advantage…. As it happens, I am reading an interview with Alan Curtis who explains why Monteverdi should be sung by Italian singers. Mind you, this was back in 1997.

[DracoM]

Excellent news. Many thanks for heads-up.

[MickyD]

The Italians have got to that chapel in Mantua already...this is a clip from a recording which I think sounds glorious and full-blooded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e62yRWLBWc8

[Flosshilde]

My understanding was that the Vespers were written by Monteverdi (or compiled by him from various works by him?) as a 'job application' for a post at St Mark's in Venice - & therefore presumably not for performance in Mantua. Obviously I'll have to watch the programme to get my facts right

[Radio64]

Thanks for the heads up. Looks interesting.

[Roehre]

Thanks for the heads up. Looks interesting.

seconded

[jean]

In their email to me, the Sixteen tell me that this is being broadcast on Easter Saturday...how could they make such a dreadful mistake?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

In their email to me, the Sixteen tell me that this is being broadcast on Easter Saturday...how could they make such a dreadful mistake?

Holy inappropriate.

[Radio64]

In their email to me, the Sixteen tell me that this is being broadcast on Easter Saturday...how could they make such a dreadful mistake?

..yes, I mean everyone knows it's actually Easter Eve.

[kernelbogey]

Monteverdi in Mantua - the genius of the Vespers

I've just watched this documentary on Monteverdi with great pleasure and considerable learning. Having been rather sniffy on these boards about television programmes, I commend this one, presented by Simon Russell Beale, and featuring Harry Christophers and The Sixteen in extensive excerpts from the Vespers of 1610. Beautifully shot and intelligently put together.

[DracoM]

Monteverdi in Mantua BBC 2

Recalling SRB's other frontings of music on the Beeb, I was a bit apprehensive about this one, particularly as the 1810 Vespers are among my favourite pieces. BUT, have to say, this was both illuminating and finely contextualised. Christophers / The Sixteen plus instrumentalists gave a fine account of extracts. We had letters, MS, part books, plenty of architecture to admire, but above all, we had the music.

Thanks to all.

[DracoM]

Woops - started a thread at EXACTLY the same time...... should have watched more carefully. apologies.


Recalling SRB's other frontings of music on the Beeb, I was a bit apprehensive about this one, particularly as the 1610 Vespers are among my favourite pieces. BUT, have to say, this was both illuminating and finely contextualised. Christophers / The Sixteen plus instrumentalists gave a fine account of extracts. We had letters, MS, part books, plenty of architecture to admire, but above all, we had the music.

Thanks to all.

[MrGongGong]

1810?

don't you mean 1610?

[kernelbogey]

We now have two threads, here and on The Choir: I can't merge them, but will have to await One With Higher Powers to do so.

No worries, Draco, we posted at exactly the same moment!