Classical album review: Bernarda Fink

BERNARDA FINK
Il pianto di Maria: The Virgin's lament

****

L'Oiseau-Lyre, 478 1466, £12.72

Mezzo soprano Bernarda Fink, under Giovanni Antonini and Il Giardino Armonico, explores different composers' approaches to the role of the Virgin Mary in Christian theology. Although played on period or historically correct instruments this is more than just a scholarly exercise. Individually there is much to enjoy in the music of Vivaldi, Monteverdi and Giovanni Battista Ferrandini, whose sacred cantata – once attributed to Handel – is at the core of the recording.

That said, collectively the album doesn't quite seem to hang together. There is too much musical difference between the works which, after all, span two centuries. Nevertheless, this is music worth hearing for the sheer quality of sound produced.

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