Ensemble expertly handles music of 16th century

Artistic director Andrew Balfour has said singers chosen for Camerata Nova must have the "right spirit," not merely talent and desire.

An abundance of spirit was in evidence Wednesday night as the ensemble wrapped up its season with a Mostly Monteverdi concert.

Bearing up well under stifling heat, this early music group tackled a challenging program of works from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The usual 13 singers were augmented by four guest artists, while Claudine St-Arnauld and Debbie Smythe, violins, and Carolyn Nagelberg, cello, all of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, formed a sting trio using gut strings and baroque bows to produce an authentic period sound. Saskatchewan harpsichordist Renée de Moissac rounded out the troupe.

The evening opened with Monteverdi’s Deus in adjutorium for The Vespers. Glorious sound filled the small venue, with rich harmonies and earnest singing carrying that "right spirit" directly to the audience.

Excellent solo work was the feature of Dixit Dominus, with sopranos Paula McLeod and Carolyn Boyes performing sans vibrato – clean, clear and true. There was effective contrast between two tenor soloists, Buchan with assertive confidence, Michael Thompson with a lighter approach. This group moves as a unit.

A few problems began to emerge in the Domine, ne in furore tuo, a somewhat sombre work in which the tenors struggled with intonation more than once.

The reflective motet Ave, dulcissima Maria by Carlo Gesualdo was expertly executed, alternatingly delicate, then swelling into a rich fullness.

One of the few other works not by Monteverdi, Pian Piano by Domenico Mazzocchi, demanded that the performers sustain exceedingly prolonged notes. No problem for these seasoned veterans, who mastered this challenge with ease. Unfortunately, the long runs in the men’s score did prove to be tricky, as the singers resorted to the dreaded swooping to reach the top notes.

Saving the best for last, Ch’io vorrei morire, (also Monteverdi) was superbly expressive, showing strength and a knack for sensitive lightness.