Claudio Monteverdi went down in history not only as one of the first opera composers, but also as an author of religious music. Alongside his stage works, sacred music is as important, and among them the Vespers of the Virgin Mary – a monumental work by the master, which will be performed this evening by the Wrocław Baroque Ensemble conducted by Andrzej Kosendiak.

Monteverdi created Vespro della Beata Vergine in 1610 during his stay in Mantua, which was at that time an important arts centre in Italy. Vespers of the Virgin Mary is the composer’s first sacred work of such an extensive form. From the very beginning, the composition was conceived as liturgical music based on traditional choral melodies. “Polyphonic vespers sung with certain sacred musical pieces appropriate for chapels or princely chambers” – Monteverdi was believed to note, emphasizing the specificity of the work, on the grounds of which the sacred is combined with the profane. The composer’s innovative approach made this work closer to the sound of the secular music of that time rather than the music that was performed during church ceremonies or services. The piece is characterized by a unique style, combining on the one hand extremely impressive and sonic splendour, on the other hand, elements full of subtle, almost intimate lyricism. The visionary actions of the composer have made the Vespro della Beata Vergine considered today as a timeless work, representing the richness of Claudio Monteverdi’s revolutionary compositional language.