Giovanni Battista PERGOLESI
(1710-1736)
Stabat Mater [36.41]
Salve Regina [14.10]
Dennis Naseband, soprano
Jochen Kowalski, alto
Raphael Alpermann, organ
Kammerorchester Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach/Harmut Haenchen
Rec: April 1992.
BERLIN CLASSICS BC 1047-2
[50.58]
Pergolesi had a brief life, but left an unforgettable mark on music history
with his Stabat Mater, the centre-piece of this disc. Written in the last
year of his life, as he was dying of consumption, this work praising the
Virgin Mary, is a combination of melancholy movements (such as the almost
tear-evoking opening Duetto) and more optimistc sections, such as the lively
aria for alto which makes up the fourth section. Incorporating many aspects
of the operatic, the Stabat Mater was commissioned by a group of Neapolitan
noblemen. It is thought that it was meant to replace Alessandro Scarlatti's
Stabat Mater, a similar work, composed in an older style. Pergolesi, in this
work, combined the strict Neapolitan church style with the more melodic aspects
of, then modern, opera, resulting in a work of unique emotional effect.
A very popular piece, this work has been recorded many times. While musically
this recording is satisfying, it eventually fails due to the weak voice of
Dennis Naseband, the boy soprano. He cannot really express the emotion required
of his part, and his singing is just barely on-key. Jochen Kowalski is a
fine alto, and his solos are excellent; the orchestra, as well, presents
the music with appropriate balance.
The Salve Regina, was also composed in the final months of Pergolesi's life.
Two versions of it exist: one for soprano, and the other for alto (this recording
features the alto version). Opening in a manner similar to the Stabat Mater,
this begins with a stark, emotional section for strings, full of grief and
sadness. The second section expresses much more optimism, through a lively
aria, sung over a very rhythmic accompaniment. The next two sections are
also somewhat hopeful, and the work closes with a heart-rending aria in a
largo section.
Sadly this disc disappoints by the weakness of the soprano soloist for the
Stabat Mater, one of the finest sacred works of the 18th century. The Salve
Regina is acceptable, but one would be better off looking for a recording
with stronger singers, perhaps the fine recording featuring Emma Kirkby and
James Bowman.
Kirk McElhearn
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