Claudio Monteverdi is probably the most important figure in the transitional period between the Renaissance and baroque periods, and you can almost hear the stylistic changing of the guard in this big, celebratory, powerful vocal-and-orchestral celebration in honor of the Virgin Mary. Horns play cascading fanfares, choirs sing repeated chords at the top of their lungs, and then everything drops to a hushed plainchant or a motet for solo voice. There are several psalm settings, as well as a setting of the familiar Magnificat text. This recording by René Jacobs leading The Netherlands Chamber Choir and Concerto Vocale would make an excellent introduction to this work, and indeed to the music of Monteverdi generally.

– Rick Anderson