The English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble perform music from the time of Monteverdi. Includes his setting of Vespers.

The idea of music stirring the passions rises from the writings of the ancient Greeks and Romans on rhetoric and oratory. This repertoire, which influenced strongly the early C17th writing of Monteverdi including his setting of the Vespers, is performed here with elegance, poise and energy by ECSE.

Contrasts between the wind, strings and voice on the disc are sure to delight the listener.

The English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble was formed in 1993 and has performed in most UK Festivals including York, Spitalfields, Warwick & Leamington, and Exeter, as well as major venues such as The Wigmore Hall and the Purcell Room.

They have toured France, Israel (twice) and featured on Radios 3 and 4, as well as BBC Radio Scotland. Their 1999 performances with The Dunedin Consort of Monteverdi’s Vespers in Edinburgh and Aberdeen received great critical acclaim.

"This is a beautiful disc. The well thought-out programme not only hangs together historically, but also offers the listener plenty of variety in terms of mood and colour... The cornetts and sackbuts blend beautifully to create a warm sound. They play with impeccable intonation and a fine sense of ensemble..I would heartily recommend this recording."
Hazel Brooks, The Consort, Summer 2002

"The Ensemble lifts this music to an intensely expressive level, yet with taut intonation and thoughtful ebb and flow of contrapuntal lines. The sound, recorded in a London church, is exemplary."
George Pratt, BBC Music Magazine, May 2001