Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 is quite simply one of the greatest works of sacred music ever written, without doubt the most varied and inspired before Handel and Bach began composing their oratorios and passions. It's variety alone makes it unique, from thrilling psalm settings with virtuosic writing for both multi-part choir and instrumentalists, to exotic and sensual settings of texts from the Song of Songs for solo voices. Every movement is full of luscious harmonies, drama, and evocative musical language.