The Flemish composer Philippe de Monte was one of the most
well-travelled composers of the Renaissance. Born in Mechelen,
he served the Pinelli family in Naples before travelling to the
court of Queen Mary in the retinue of her husband, King Philip
V of Spain. He was subsequently appointed Kapellmeister
to the Imperial Hapsburg Court and served
Maximillian II in Vienna and Rudolph II in Prague. He
contributed to most of the important vocal genres, including
mass, motet, madrigal and chanson. This collection
offers a perspective on de Monte at the height of his technical
powers, showing his superb handling of vocal disposition, subtle
word-painting and his flair for sophisticated canonic writing.
Recorded in the Abbaye de Valloires,
Somme, France 31 March, 1 & 2 April 1998 and
originally released on Collins Classics 15272
Playing time : 66'47" DDD
Reviews
"It is the distinctive sound of New College’s trebles that captures the imagination, in an acoustic that lends the recording real character and an admirable clarity of texture. ...this disc is fully worthy of its predecessors. "
The Gramophone
