This landmark recording of Monteverdi's 1610 Vespers has been in and out of print repeatedly, and it's especially good to have it back at midprice. Andrew Parrott was the first to put these Vespers into a plausible liturgical context (all prayers and chant items are included), as well as the first to perform them (mostly) one-singer-per-part, which adds immensely to the coherence and subtlety of the work without sacrificing brilliance. Most importantly, this performance is absolutely magnificent from beginning to end. Monteverdi pioneer Nigel Rogers (in his last great recording) sings the big tenor solos rapturously; Emma Kirkby's rendition of the solo-cum-duet "Pulchra es" is possibly the best thing she's ever done; and the Taverner groups sing and play with remarkable accuracy, spirit, and energy. Grab this extraordinary record while you can! --Matthew Westphal