Dixit Dominus
Francesco Scarlatti
Emma Kirkby (sop) Armonico Consort, Concerto Gallese,
The English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble

Playing time: 79 mins.

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Evening Standard, July 2004

It was the unfortunate fate of Francesco Scarlatti to be overshadowed by his more famous brother: Alessandro, and the latter's son, Domenico. On the evidence of this fascinating disc, Francesco, too, was a considerable composer; if a less prolific one than his brother.

Presented here are world premiere recordings of Francesco's Messa and Dixit Dominus, both works in the polychoral style for 16 parts, and the smaller-scale Miserere.

The Armonico Consort, accompanied by the concerto Gallese and English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble, give lively, stylish performances under Christopher Monks, relishing the grandeur of the antiphonal polyphony and the frequent moments of awestruck wonder. There is plenty of fine music here and some that is truly ravishing.