Monteverdi Series: 1 'Flaming Heart'

"An unmissable and astounding disc of Monteverdi...I Fagiolini offer an overview of the composer's secular work, infused with nobility, with drama and with style."
(Editor's Choice Gramophone February 2007)

The immensely popular I Fagiolini launches an exciting new series of secular works by Monteverdi, challenging the accepted pre-eminence of the Italian groups.

I Fagiolini are currently enjoying a greatly increased public profile, following the Royal Philharmonic Society 'British Ensemble' award earlier this year - only the second time in history that the award has gone to a vocal ensemble.

The group celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, with many performances taking place worldwide in recognition of this milestone.
Under the expert guidance of Robert Hollingworth, I Fagiolini have created an imaginative approach to presenting often unfamiliar music, and their performances are always informed while communicating the spirit of the music instantly and vividly.

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 cappella ensemble, soloists and strings.

In this new series, I Fagiolini bring contemporary passion with up-to-date scholarship on issues from gut strings and continuo choices to ornamentation - this is a Monteverdi for both the 16th and 21st century.

Reviews
On the Monteverdi performances:
"…some of the most exquisitely intense vocal music ever written…"
The Times