Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 is a work which has both fascinated and perplexed musicologists and performers for many years. It forms by far the larger part of the composer's first significant publication of sacred music, entitled: 'Of the most blessed virgin a Mass for six voices for church choirs, and Vespers for more voices with several sacred concertos suitable for princely chapels or apartments'. By the time this publication appeared, Monteverdi had been in the service of the Gonzaga court a...