‘This recording richly deserves a sheaf of awards. One for the astonishing speed of the turnaround between recording and release—just a couple of months. A second for bringing us the 1610 collection complete. A third for John Whenham's absolutely enthralling booklet essay. A fourth to all the many hundreds of people who donated to Hyperion's Appeal for Recording Funds in 2005, which made this recording possible. And a final fifth accolade to all the King's men (and women) who singly and severally know Monteverdi well enough not to have to over-sell him to unlock the music's magnificence’ (International Record Review)

'The Choir of the Enlightenment sings with the light freshness and clarity which have now come to be firmly associated with Baroque performances … this is a worthy addition to the existing clutch of recordings' (Classic FM Magazine)» More

‘Unique and valuable. This will rank as one of Harry Christophers' proudest moments on disc and I urge you to put it next to any other recording you have’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘This is given such a compelling performance on this recording that there are times when it touches sublimity’ (Choir & Organ)

‘A piece that will, I am sure, find fans and advocates. It is honestly expressive and extremely well performed, and for those who share Moody's religious beliefs it may very well be a moving experience’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Intensely spiritual, but also readily accessible in its gentle simplicity to the average listener … a strange work, filling the uncertain ground between liturgy and drama. But a perfect choice for anyone wishing to penetrate deeply into the meaning of the most austere season of the Christian year’ (Gramophone)

‘The musicians of Ex Cathedra under Jeffrey Skidmore add further lustre to their reputation with some ravishing vocal and instrumental performances which are by turns exuberantly sophisticated and intensely moving in their simplicity. A short review cannot hope to do justice to this wonderful CD. Buy it!’ (Cathedral Music)

‘In an engagingly personal note, Jeffrey Skidmore tells of his exploratory journeys to Latin America, where he uncovered vast amounts of a treasure store of repertoire that is evident not only from his words, but also the performances he inspires from Ex Cathedra. To induce such idiomatically colourful singing and playing on October days in London is an achievement warranting unreserved plaudits. Viva! Viva, Jeffrey!’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Here is a truly wonderful disc, by reason of the splendours of the works chosen and the superbly controlled enthusiasm and skill of the performers … an absolute winner’ (International Record Review)

‘This second collection from Jeffrey Skidmore fizzes with excitement and energy and is every bit as engrossing as his first’ (The Independent)

‘A fascinating re-creation’ (The Guardian)

‘Jeffrey Skidmore and Ex Cathedra turn the dead contents of dusty archives into a thrilling programme … one of the finest albums of early baroque music to grace its catalogue’ (Music Week)