Vivaldi: Gloria in D, RV 589 / Beatus Vir in C, RV 597

"This Naxos coupling of what are probably the two favourite Vivaldi choral works is beautifully recorded and well worth its modest cost. Although some listeners will want greater attack in the famous opening and closing sections of the Gloria and in the Potens in terra in the companion work, these spacious performances, directed by Nicholas Ward, are still warmly enjoyable, partly because the choral singing has considerable intensity, especially in the continual return of the haunting Beatus vir chorale in RV 589. The Paratum cor eius, too, brings a surge of choral feeling, and the chorus rises to the occasion for the splendid closing Gloria patri. Full translation are included." Penguin Guide