Baroque Band, Part III

November 29, 2010

Baroque Band, Part III. Yet again we visit with Baroque Band, this time to present their interpretation of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's masterpiece, Stabat Mater. It is thought that Stabat Mater was Pergolesi's last major work (he died in 1736 at the age of just 26, probably from tuberculosis). Stabat Mater Dolorosa, one of the most famous medieval Italian poems, was composed either by the Pope Innocent III, a crusader against the Cathars, or a Franciscan monk by the name of Jacopone da Todi. It is thought that the poem was written in the early to mid-13th century. The poem has been set to music many times, for example by Palestrina and Haydn, but none of the settings became as famous as Pergolesi's. In this recording the soprano is Jennifer Ellis Kampani, mezzo-soprano – Jennifer Lane. As usual, Garry Clarke is conducting. To listen, click here.