Vivaldi: Gloria; Nulla in mundo pax sincera; Nisi Dominus; Cantatas
The AAM under Simon Preston offers a vivid, characterful reading of Vivaldi’s popular Gloria, but the main attraction here is the music for solo voice. Three ravishing love-cantatas, beautifully sung by Catherine Bott with Philip Pickett and the New London Consort, are the outstanding items. Other highlights include Emma Kirkby’s fine account of Nulla in mundo pax sincera (the glorious motet featured in Shine) and James Bowman’s expressive delivery of the haunting Nisi Dominus. A real bargain. -- Graham Lock