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Amazon.com To look at the CD catalog, you might think that all Italian church music after Palestrina came from Venice. Obviously that isn't true--as this recording sets out to demonstrate. These capable French ensembles have gathered together music (mostly omitting the plainchant) that might have been used at a 17th- century Roman Vespers for the Assumption, then one of the most important feasts of the year. The composers, now forgotten, were quite respected in their day; their general style will sound entirely familiar to anyone who knows Cavalli or late Monteverdi. There's very little virtuoso vocal display here--just graceful, reverent writing for duo, trio, and five-voice choir. This disc of previously unknown music may not be revelatory, but it is quite enjoyable. --Matthew Westphal