Fabio Biondi, Europa Galante, Dorothea Röschmann, David Daniels - Giovanni Battista Pergolesi: Stabat Mater, Salve Regina (2006)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 291 Mb | Total time: 57:13 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Virgin Classics | # 363340 2 | Recorded: 2005
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 291 Mb | Total time: 57:13 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Virgin Classics | # 363340 2 | Recorded: 2005
The market is loaded with recordings of Pergolesi's beautiful, graceful "Stabat Mater" and there are also plenty of versions of both "Salve Regina" selections to choose from. The young Pergolesi, who died at age 26, had a flair for the theater and the "Stabat Mater" was often accused of being too operatic. Fabio Biondi presents it (and the other two pieces) without much sentimentality and he uses a vastly reduced orchestra–a mere three violins, viola, cello, double bass, and theorbo (and organ)–which brings the stark religiosity to the forefront. That is not to say that these pieces aren't sensual as well; soprano Dorothea Röschmann's mesmerizing, warm tone and David Daniel's flawless, forwardly placed countertenor are lush enough to create drama of their own.