Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 is a work which has both fascinated and perplexed musicologists and performers for many years. It forms by far the larger part of the composer's first significant publication of sacred music; entitled: 'Of the most blessed virgin a Mass for six voices for church choirs; and Vespers for more voices with several sacred concertos suitable for princely chapels or apartments'. By the time this publication appeared; Monteverdi had been in the service of the Gonzaga court at Mantua for at least 18 years; and he was seeking a change of employment; so that the dedication of the volume to the reigning pope; Paul V; may be interpreted as a form of self-advertisement. Originally issued as an Urtext study score; the edition is based closely on the extant printed source; the set of partbooks published at Venice in 1610; and retains the original note values; key and mensuration signatures. (Deus in adiutorium) Domine ad adiuvandum • Dixit Dominus • Nigra sum • Laudate pueri • Pulchra es • Laetatus sum • Duo Seraphim • Nisi Dominus • Audi coelum • Lauda Jerusalem • Sonata sopra Sancta Maria • Ave maris stella • Magnificat

for Double Mixed Choir (SATTB/SATTB); SSAATTBB Soli and Orchestra

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