Selva Morale e Spirituale - Versailles Opera house (2024) - Selva Morale e Spirituale - Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles (2024)

Description

In 1643, a few months before his death, Monteverdi delivered to the Venetian public the largest repertoire of sacred music of his life, which is commonly said to be his musical testament. Extracted from this edition as illustrious as it is unique, called Selva Morale e Spirituale by its author, the Vespers to the Virgin offered here form the exact counterpart of the Vespers to the Virgin of 1610 that the composer had published in Mantua in his youth. Thirty years later, matured and probably reworked several times during its long existence, these works mix choral passages, soloists and small choirs, develop the most varied colors and instrumental timbres, mixing tradition and modernity... In the twilight of its life, Monteverdi offers us here the culmination of his work, perhaps the most sumptuous, theatrical, and most tragic.

Vincent Dumestre's Poème Harmonique sublimates the work and accompanies the soloists, among whom the great mezzo-soprano Eva Zaïcik stands out. Virtuoso choir and shimmering orchestra will transport you to an exhilarating Venice, that of the birth of the Baroque style.

More information is available on the official website of the opera house.