Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

'Harmonies Of Devotion' collects 14 sacred motets from 17th- and 18th-century Italy. This is a transitional period for European music as it moves from austere monastic chanting towards the more flamboyant Baroque. As a listening experience it is tranquil, soothing to the soul, and beautifully sung by the ever-reliable Contrapunctus directed by Owen Rees. In addition to being an interesting and varied showcase of six talented composers 'Harmonies Of Devotion' is also a scholarly exercise by Roya Stuart-Rees whose field of research is the activities of musical antiquarians in 18th-century London. Among the works recorded here for the first time are Giovanni Legrenzi's six-voice masterpiece "Intret in Conspectu Tuo", which survives thanks to a copy made in London by Handel, a five-voice "Crucifixus" by Legrenzi's pupil Antonio Lotti, sent to London's newly formed Academy of Ancient Music, a grand Marian motet written for the Academy by Agostino Steffani, and music by Steffani's teacher Ercole Bernabei, again collected by members of London's antiquarian music clubs. The recording reveals networks of influence between teachers and pupils and traces the lineage of the dramatic 'seconda prattica' motet back to its principal source and pioneer: Claudio Monteverdi who led the way in moving music away from the 'stile antico'. Contrapunctus have a superb vocal blend, well recorded by Adrian Peacock in the Chapel of the Queen's College, Oxford which has an acoustic that is just right for the music. The voices are supplemented by chamber organ with organist duties shared between Stephen Farr and Edward Higginbotham and some effective lute playing from Eligio Quinteiro. Texts and translations are provided along with comprehensive notes by Owen Rees. Yes, the repertoire is obscure with even the contributions from Monteverdi not being amongst his best-known but listeners who enjoy exploring off the beaten track should find much to enjoy and anyone who appreciated excellence in choral singing cannot fail to be impressed.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.