By CB141078
09-Dec-2012

Best version Laudate Pueri - featuring as a central piece in a crime-novel  

Vivaldi wrote four different versions of Laudate pueri Dominum (RV600-RV603), differing in tone and mood. Personally I used to like the RV600 version the best as it is the most solemn. RV601 can be somewhat more frivolous, and many sopranos seem keen to let their vocal skills loose on it, making it sound even less solemn and too "frilly" in my opinion. So, I have never been too keen on RV601.

Strangely enough, I came across the Magda Kalmar RV601 recording through Peter Robinson's crime-novel "Past Reason Hated". Her recording plays a key role in trying to uncover who murdered a young woman, and the why. According to Detective Chief Inspector Banks, in the book, RV601 sang by Magda Kalmar is also the best of all the Laudate pueri versions and recordings. Thus intrigued I bought it and played it as the soundtrack to the book. I have to agree with the fictional DCI Banks, it indeed is absolutely beautiful and she has the purest of voices, and refrains from unnecessary vocal acrobatics. I absolutely love this recording. It also made for an interesting experience in combination with reading a crime-novel.
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