Customer Reviews

Amor Sacro: Vivaldi Mottetti

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have enjoyed Kermes's contributions to several of Alan Curtis's Handel recording but with this album, she really impressed me. She has such a different sound then most of the "baroque specialists" singing today. Her intensity is amazing and technically this is the best I have heard her sound. The pieces, all sacred music, are amazing. Don't be fooled though. The themes may be religious but the music is intense and exciting.

This is singing of the highest order by Simone Kermes, one of the very best sopranos specializing in the baroque repertoire. Her technique is nearly flawless: clean articulation, rhythmic acuity, excellent control of the breath and the musical line. The voice is a bit wiry - more Maria Callas, say, than Renata Tebaldi (just the first example that comes to mind; don't shoot me!) but therefore agile and precise.
The first, third and fourth cantata are appropriately furious, turbulent and tempestuous (see titles). It's exciting singing. But the second, "Nulla in mundo pax sincera", is something more: it's a miracle of emotional and vocal shading and subtlety, expressing both the inwardness of contemplation and then the joy that arises from it. I cannot praise it highly enough.
If you enjoy baroque vocal music, especially it's sacred aspect, you should buy this CD. Very moving, very enjoyable.

This is one disc that I keep revisiting again and again. I listen to it both at home and in the car. My favorite motet is "Nulla in mundo pax sincera", which calms and revitalizes me after a hard day's work. Ms. Kermes is a wonderful singer, and Vivaldi is a wonderful composer!

I like a lot of classical music. All types. This is nice, light and melodic. Good for background but with enough depth for more discerning listeners. The singing is fantastic (How does she hit those highs?) and the Alleluias are completely over the top, almost funny. Sound quality is excellent and doesn't
crackle at peak volumes on a good stereo.