Yes, I'm a baroque fan too, especially of Monteverdi among the early
composers.  Thanks for the recording reference on the 1640 Vespers.
anybody know of a good recording of Moneteverdi's "Christmas Vespers"?
Not nearly as well known as those mentioned by Patrik, but a lovely piece
with a particularly nice soprano solo.  I performed the piece with the
professional choir at St.  Michael's Church on the upper west side of
Manhattan about 12 years ago, and I think it had just been published
for the first time around then.

Danielle Woerner