MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Vivaldi: In Furore, Laudate Pueri e Concerti Sacri

"In this new release Sandrine Piau takes us into the sphere of sacred music with two of Vivaldi's most technically exacting pieces for solo soprano...one of the most outstanding releases of the Vivaldi Edition so far."
BBC Music 'Choral & Song' recording of the month June 2006

"With thorough notes, original texts and translations and several photographs, no effort has been spared to make this a real de-luxe offering."
(MusicWeb Recording of the Month August 2006)

"Accademia Bizantina is, without question, at the forefront of the performance of Italian baroque music today. Right from the first notes of this disc, one is conscious of a natural empathy with the repertoire, a sense of being at ease with the style, that allows its members to react to it with spontaneity, precision and power. And of course, one could hardly find more dramatic music than In furore, a solo motet crammed full of contrasts of atmosphere, a perfect vehicle not only for Dantone's ensemble, but for Sandrine Piau, who misses no nuance of the work. They shine equally brightly in Laudate pueri, which also includes a flute part, splendidly negotiated here by Marcello Gatti.
Much of what makes Accademia Bizantina's playing so exceptional, I think, is the power it derives from the richness of the continuo playing, always absolutely precise rhythmically but never sacrificing lyricism to mere brute power. This is, predictably, even more evident in the instrumental works, even in the Concerto for violin and organ, RV 541, which Giuseppe Gillio's insert notes might lead one to expect to be a piece of considerable dullness. It is in fact brief but sparkling, though clearly outshone by the well-known Concerto per la Solennità di San Lorenzo, RV 286, given a luminous performance with Stefano Montanari as soloist, which ends the disc and rounds out yet another outstanding contribution to the remarkable discographical adventure that is the Vivaldi Collection. IVAN MOODY GOLDBERG.COM

Sandrine Piau returns with a disc of Vivaldi sacred cantatas and motets. Typically expressive, vivacious and inventive singing from the young French soprano.

"Sandrine Piau says that the Laudate Pueri is one of those rare works with which she fell madly in love at first sight and for years felt a 'deep seated need to record it'. Her love of and faith in the music shine through and are to be treasured." Simon Heighes (INTERNATIONAL RECORD REVIEW)