Delve into the rich tapestry of Baroque choral music with Giovanni Bononcini's "Bononcini: Stabat Mater / Lotti: Crucifixus / Caldara: Crucifixus," a timeless collection released in 1978 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label. This album features the exquisite vocal talents of Felicity Palmer, Paul Esswood, Philip Langridge, and others, accompanied by the renowned Philomusica of London and the Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, under the direction of George Guest.
The album opens with Giovanni Bononcini's "Stabat Mater," a profound and moving setting of the Latin hymn that reflects on the sorrow of Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the crucifixion. The work is divided into twelve sections, each exploring different aspects of Mary's grief and her role as an intercessor for humanity. The intricate polyphony and expressive melodies showcase the depth of Bononcini's compositional skill.
Following the "Stabat Mater," the album includes two settings of the "Crucifixus" from the Mass, one by Antonio Lotti and the other by Antonio Caldara. These pieces, though brief, are powerful expressions of faith and devotion, highlighting the contrasting styles of the two composers.
With a total duration of 45 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of Baroque choral music, offering a blend of solemnity and beauty that resonates deeply. The performances are impeccable, with each vocalist and instrumentalist contributing to the overall richness of the sound. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an enriching and enlightening experience.
Crucifixus (8vv)Antonio Lotti, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 1. Stabat Mater DolorosaGiovanni Bononcini, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 2. O quam tristisGiovanni Bononcini, Felicity Palmer, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 3, Quis est homoGiovanni Bononcini, Felicity Palmer, Paul Esswood, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 4. Pro peccatisGiovanni Bononcini, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 5. Eja MaterGiovanni Bononcini, Paul Esswood, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 6. Sancta MaterGiovanni Bononcini, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 7. Fac me vere tecum flereGiovanni Bononcini, Paul Esswood, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 8. Juxta crucem tecum stareGiovanni Bononcini, Christopher Keyte, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 9. Virgo virginium praeclaraGiovanni Bononcini, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 10. Fac ut portemGiovanni Bononcini, Philip Langridge, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 11. Fac me plagis vulneraiGiovanni Bononcini, Paul Esswood, Philip Langridge, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 12. Fac me cruce custodiriGiovanni Bononcini, Christopher Keyte, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
Stabat Mater - Ed. Smith: 13. Quando corpus morieturGiovanni Bononcini, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
CrucifixusAntonio Caldara, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, London Philharmonic Orchestra, George Guest
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