The Monteverdi Organ

Frescobaldi, Girolamo, Froberger, Johann Jacob, Merula, Tarquinio, Monteverdi, Claudio, różni kompozytorzy

Ensemble Le Nuove Musiche, Koetsveld, Krijn

96347

This recording presents the newly built organ which aims to recreate the typical sound of the Monteverdi era. Unfortunately, no original organs from Monteverdi's time have survived and even hardly any pictures exist. The reconstruction is made on the basis of descriptions like those of Monteverdi. One of the leading principles is that these organs had open, wooden pipes, made of Italian cypress wood. The blowing action was done by hand, with a much lower wind pressure than in modern organs. The sound and the way the organ 'speaks' had to match the Italian music of the time and blend well with the voices and instruments. From the instructions of Monteverdi in the score of his Vespers, we know that he had several stops at his disposal, in order to create different colours.

The commission to build this new organ came from Krijn Koetsveld, who in the past years recorded all Monteverdi’s Madrigals for Brilliant Classics and who felt the need for the authentic sound of such an instrument. It was built by the respected firm of Klop Organ Builders.

Presented are organ works by Froberger, Merula, Frescobaldi and Monteverdi, as well as vocal works by Monteverdi in which the organ is featured.

Played by Krijn Koetsveld, organ, and sung by his vocal group Le Nuove Musiche.

CD x 1

Brilliant Classics

2021-07-02

5028421963471