Monteverdi · Sweet Torment

“…the third in a series of Monteverdi madrigal anthologies…shows terrific musical discernment. The experience and flair of I Fagiolini is clearly demonstrated across these styles and textures. …the Baroque instrumentalists under violinist Bjarte Eike add much to the Ballo della Ingrate - the high plucked strings accompanying Amore are magical, and Plutone's magnificent bass singing is neatly supported.” --BBC Music Magazine, August 2009 ****

“The range of effects is startling: from the dazed idée fixe of "T'amo, mia vita!" (1605) to the bouyant ground bass of "Zefiro torna" (1632), here brilliantly animated by chitarrone, harp and harpsichord. Most exciting, however, is the group's reading of "Ballo delle Ingrate" and Barokksolistene's sullen dance for the damned.” --The Independent on Sunday, 5th July 2009

“…most successful… is the Ballo delle ingrate, one of the most coherent accounts of it I can remember, with a sharply delineated Pluto. The variety of continuo instruments is highly effective, and the work's dramatic line holds until the final, valedictory exhortation.” --Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2009

Monteverdi · Fire and Ashes

“…I Fagiolini are at their best in the quietly pastoral pieces. 'Rimanti in pace' is an early masterpiece from Book 3, sung with the tenderest of touches at the melting harmonies, and 'Lagrime d'amante'… is given the most persuasive performance I have heard...” --BBC Music Magazine, April 2008 ****

“Under Robert Hollingworth's inspired direction, the five singers squeeze all the emotion possible out of the suspensions, both diatonic and chromatic.” --Gramophone Magazine, May 2008

This second volume allows the listener to trace Monteverdi’s evolution from the early Mantuan a cappella madrigals that made his reputation to the late concerted madrigals of the 1630s written for the Viennese court.

These styles seem worlds apart, yet both are forged by the same desire, to confront and master the tension between mere art and real life.

Monteverdi · Flaming Heart

Do not miss this wide-ranging survey on any account. --Gramophone ‘Editor’s Choice’

The performances are as beautiful as they are careful and stylish. The singers (there are seven in all) are highly expressive in solo stints and handsomely balanced in ensembles… This release guarantees both immediate and lasting satisfaction. It belongs in any decent Monteverdi collection. --American Record Guide

I Fagiolini, Robert Hollingworth (director)

Flaming Heart seeks to show the full Monteverdi, a Monteverdi of both beauty and horror, colourful, vivid, and always completely alive. Unlike the ‘complete edition’ approach this series presents a much more imaginative selection of his works, beginning with the prologue from L’Orfeo and continuing with the very best of his works for a capella ensemble, soloists and strings.