"uniformly excellent"

Larry Beckwith, theWholeNote

“Dazzling...resplendent...intimate and touching...mesmerizing artistry...a stunning tapestry. One glorious setting follows after another...breathtaking… Brief antiphons enchantingly sung by the Children's Chorus of Washington...adds to the spellbinding impact of the performance.

A veritable universe is encapsulated by this extraordinary and panoramic project...the latest feather in the cap for Robertson and The Thirteen...This Monteverdi rendering will do nothing but enhance their already considerable reputation.”

Textura

“Only John Eliot Gardiner in his 1986 Archiv recording dares to explore such a capacious sound space…Unlike many, very fine, English recordings of this music, these singers are unafraid to give it a bit of operatic passion…The choral singing, as it is throughout, is beautifully tuned, ensemble crisp but not excessively regimented, and above all shimmering in loveliness in the monastic air…The brass of the splendid and splendidly named Dark Horse Consort, particularly, glow like mellow old gold caught in the flickering candlelight. Robertson directs things in a sensible, unfussy manner…If I were to describe the prevailing mood it would be relaxed and smiling.”

David McDade, MusicWeb International RECORDING OF THE MONTH

“With 43 recordings of the Vespers listed in the ARG index, any new recording faces stiff competition…Matthew Robertson demonstrates a deep understanding of this music and is well served by the combined forces of The Thirteen and Dark Horse Consort (the Children’s Chorus of Washington…sings the chant antiphons).”

Charles E Brewer, American Record Guide