Album Review: Canti Sacri Inediti A Solda 1970-1987 by Magda Olivero
If you're into classical music but want something that feels like it’s got soul—and not just those stiff, museum-piece vibes—then Canti Sacri Inediti A Solda 1970-1987 is worth your time. Released in 1987 on the Italian label G.O.P., this album's a real gem for anyone who digs Baroque, religious, or even modern and romantic styles all rolled into one. It’s kinda like stepping into an old church where every note hits you right in the feels.
Magda Olivero takes center stage here with her soprano vocals, backed up beautifully by Marco Montanari on organ. Together, they pull off tracks that are both hauntingly spiritual and deeply human. You don’t need to be religious to get swept away by this—it’s more about the raw emotion behind each piece.
One track I can’t stop thinking about is “Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle.” It’s one of those songs where Magda’s voice feels like it’s floating above you, soft yet powerful enough to make you pause whatever you’re doing. The melody’s simple, almost bare, but there’s something so tender about how she sings it. Like, imagine sitting alone under a starry sky feeling small but connected to everything at the same time. That’s what this track does to you. And then there’s Marco’s organ work—it doesn’t try too hard; it just supports her perfectly, letting the song breathe.
Another standout is “Ave Maria.” Yeah, yeah, everyone’s done an Ave Maria, right? But Magda brings this fresh intensity to it that makes you rethink what the song could mean. Her voice cracks ever so slightly at points, which sounds weirdly perfect—it’s like she’s pouring out her heart without holding anything back. When I first heard it, I wasn’t expecting to tear up, but here we are. There’s no flashy production or gimmicks, just pure, unfiltered artistry. Honestly, if angels exist, I reckon they sound a lot like this.
The rest of the album follows suit—tracks like “Anima Christi” and “Il Pianto Della Madonna” keep the mood reflective and emotional, while still showing off some serious vocal chops. Even though most of these pieces have centuries-old roots, they never feel outdated. They’re timeless, y’know?
What gets me thinking after listening to this whole thing is how rare albums like this are nowadays. Everything’s gotta be loud, fast, or shiny to grab attention. But Canti Sacri Inediti A Solda proves that sometimes, less really is more. And hey, isn’t it kinda funny how a record from the ‘80s (yeah, 1987!) manages to feel older than time itself? Maybe that’s the magic of it. Or maybe I’m just overthinking things because I’ve been staring at my speakers for too long.
Anyway, give it a spin when you need a break from life’s chaos. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself randomly humming Latin hymns during your next grocery run.
