A puzzling paradox: although Vivaldi devoted over 30 years to composing for the Ospedale della Piet� in Venice, no complete musical setting of any liturgy by him has come down to us. By intercalating existing examples of his sacred music (such as the famous Gloria) and other works given a different text to suit their new liturgical function (Sanctus and Agnus Dei), the ensemble Les Arts Florissants now offers us a compelling reconstruction of a solemn Mass which the "Red-Haired Priest" might have written... for just such an assembly of exceptional soloists.
