BBC Singers- Montiverdi Vespers, Milton Court **

Having never heard any Montiverdi before, I was taken aback by his religious Vespers of 1610 at Milton Court. Loving Baroque music, I was fascinated by the richness and complexity to his music. The soloists in particular have music as difficult as any Rossinni opera. I Fagiolini are a marvellously talented ensemble that take this task on well. With the BBC Singers, the two groups are powerful at times, especially during the Magnificat. However, at other times the music seems deadened and lacks the beauty and tone that one would expect from a first-class choir. St James's Baroque ensemble are splendid and have an elegance and fluidity. The almost constant movement of the soloists to the balcony and back felt messy and, for me, slightly took away from the sacred and delicate aesthetic with no real effect on the music. Whilst the music is at times explosive, it lacks a dynamic and engaging quality that all concerts should have.