Les Kapsber’girls — Vox Feminae
By Ralph Graves
According to their website, Les Kapsber’girls look for “new ways of interpreting historical sources,” while “exploring the pre-baroque and baroque repertoire.”
And they succeed quite handily. Their previous two albums have garnered some prestigious awards, and no wonder.
This all-female ensemble is comprised of top-flight musicians. Les Kapsber’girls are quite comfortable performing in a variety of early music styles. And this release is no exception.
The ensemble derived its name from Hieronymus Kapsberger. He was a virtuoso string player and composer of the early 17th C. This release features several tracks from his published collections of lute and theorbo music.
The program consists mostly of music by women composers. And it’s a collection of surprising variety. Barbara Strozzi is represented by several elegantly crafted Italian madrigals. There are some lively selections by Antonia Bembo, a contemporary of Strozzi.
Francesca Campana was the daughter of early opera composer Andrea Campra. Her arias show a real gift for vocal writing.
Alice Duport-Percier (soprano) and Axelle Verner (mezzo-soprano) sing with clear, rounded tones. And their vocal blend is seamless. They create a beautiful, almost unearthly sound I found quite appealing.
And the instrumentalists are equally talented. Pernelle Marzorati (triple harp), Garace Boizot (bass viol), and Albane Imbs (theorobo, torbino, and baroque guitar) play with clarity and energy.
These works are not presented as academic curiosities. This is a program filled with exciting and engaging performances. This is one of the best early music recordings I’ve heard in a while. Recommended.
Vox Feminae
Les Kapsber’girls
Alpha
