A monteverdi vespers in 1611

A letter from Lorenzo Campagna to Fabio Gonzaga of 14 May 1611 mentions having heard new Vespers music by Monteverdi on the Feast of the Sensa (the Ascension), 12 May. The music in question cannot have been that of the Vespro della Beata Vergine published in September 1610 except possibly for the Respond, two psalms and Magnifi cat that overlap between a Marian Vespers and Vespers for Ascension Day. The week-long Mantuan Sensa celebration and the role of the Order of the Knights of the Redeemer, whose cavalcade is also mentioned in the letter, are described, and the several distinguished personages who are named as present at the service are identifi ed. The letter, which is transcribed and translated in full as well as reproduced in facsimile, provides tantalizing but unspecifi c evidence of otherwise unknown sacred music written and performed by Monteverdi in Mantua.