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ALESSANDRO SCARLATTI Stabat Mater (circa 1718) EMANUEL D'ASORGA Stabat Mater (circa 1707) Camerata Polifonica Siciliana cnducted by Douglas BostockClassicO CLASSCD162

 


Crotchet




It would be no exaggeration to say that these recordings are an eye-opening discovery, constituting as they do a World Première recording of Alessandro Scarlatti's setting of Stabat Mater and a first studio recording of Baron D'Astorga's setting.

It was the custom throughout Catholic Christendom in the 18th Century to give musical renderings of Stabat Mater Dolorosa every Passiontide; leading Italian composers of the early Baroque provided settings which were often used for years in succession in major churches and cathedrals. The published music travelled widely in Europe and reached England. With changing musical fashions they fell out of favour and were supplanted by the (now) more widely-known settings by Pergolesi and Haydn. Despite their being 'rediscovered' during the 19t century, these settings have remained obscure throughout the 20th Century. The issue of recordings of these priceless gems of the early baroque is welcome indeed.

The interpretation and performance are superb throughout. The Camerata Polifonica Siciliana consists of a 28-strong choir and 14 string players with organ continuo. The recording was made in the ex-monastery of Santo Francesco in Paterno, Sicily; the venue lends an authentic acoustic to the performance which the recording engineers have faithfully transferred onto the disc. This is music for late-night listening in subdued light when the day's work is done; it restores serenity and provides an experience of transcendental transport. It is recommended to all who love the Italian Baroque.

Reviewer

Humphrey Smith

Reviewer

Humphrey Smith

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