Stabat Mater in G Minor / Salve Regina for Alto
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. And Biondi chooses tempi that are quick enough to give each movement thrust while lingering on Pergolesi's dissonances effectively. The two "Salve Regina" selections are scored for one voice each and each soloist shines brightly. Among the many versions of these works, this new set stands out.--Robert Levine