Here are two of Vivaldi's most extended and impressive psalm settings. These are the singlechoir Dixit Dominus, RV595 (Psalm 110), and double-choir Beatus vir, RV597 (Psalm 112).
Vivaldi set both psalms more than once, and King's programme also includes the singlemovement Beatus vir, RV598, as well as the response, Domine ad adiuvandum me, RV593, and the conservatively styled Vesper psalm, Credidipropter quod, RV605. The King's Consort Choir make a lively and warm-textured contribution; the solo line-up is also strong; with Susan Gritton and Catrin Wyn-Davies providing an evenly matched, lightly articulated partnership in their two duets. Neal Davies and Michael George are splendidly robust in their vigorous 'Potens in terra' duet from Beatus vir (RV597). Catherine Denley gives an appropriately strongly inflected account of 'Judicabit in nationibus' but is intimate and tender in her beautiful 'De torrente in via bibet' (from Dixit).
The remaining soloist, Charles Daniels, delivers the virtuoso 'Peccator videbit' (Beatus vir, RV597) with lightness and comfortable agility.
Although consisting of only three movements, the G major Domine ad adiuvandum me, is easily on a level with the larger-scale pieces, its expressive warmth irresistible. This is a rewarding issue, spaciously recorded.