Lyrically Beautiful Singing by Two Exquisite Voices!!
Chicago Dreamer | Chicago, IL United States | 11/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heard this exquisitely beautiful CD at a listening station. While I was listening, I was so profoundly and deeply moved that I had to wipe the tears so I could read the jacket notes from the CD. This is an extremely beautifully sung version of some of the most beautiful music ever written. The two voices perfectly compliment each other, and both of these amazing talents were at their very best on this CD. I've listened to this disc numerous times for years, and it never fails to move me just as profoundly as it did the first time I heard it. This is Baroque music at its memorable best performed by immensely talented singers at the very top of their game! Highly, highly recommended."
Heavenly
Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 08/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Pergolesi "Stabat Mater" has been a favorite of mine for decades, and this is a lovely recording of it. June Anderson and Cecilia Bartoli have moments that are sublime...two great voices that are a perfect blend for these 18th century gems.All 3 pieces are in the same style and mood, and filled with spirit lifting beauty. Recorded in '91, the sound is excellent and well balanced. My only small complaint would be the tempo of the 2nd piece in the "Stabat Mater" ("Cujus animam gementem"), which is taken on the fast side for my taste...but the overall quality of this CD is very satisfying. Extremely serene and peaceful, this is great music for quiet, reflective moments."
Very Attractive Modern-Instrument Performance
classicalfanindc | Washington DC | 09/07/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a very attractive modern-instrument performance of these three delightful works. The Salve Regina attributed to Scarlatti is the richest and finest work here, more complex and more interesting than the well-known Pergolesi Stabat Mater, which seems merely pleasant but facile by comparison. It was a pleasure hearing this work. Despite good work from Dutoit and Anderson, this is very much Bartoli's disc--she gives it whatever true distinction it can claim. Her timbre is more individual than Anderson's and her stylistic understanding of this repertory exceed's Anderson's more generalized vocalizing. This disc is a fine addition to any discography not already well-stuffed with the Pergolesi piece, and the Scarlatti is a notable discovery."
Beautiful rendition of Pergolesi and Scarlatti
Obi | SLC, UT | 02/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pergolesi's Stabat Mater is just a beautiful peice for female duet. The soft, chromatic flow of the music is just wonderful to listen to. I thought the "amen" of the Stabat Mater was a little rushed, but other than that, I couldn't find any fault with the performance.
After listening to Scarlatti, I developed a better appreciation for the italian style during this time period. Pergolesi, though a pioneer certainly owed much to the Scarlatti's and Vivaldi."
Exceptional
Sarah Bellum | Dublin, OH United States | 09/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, the interpretation of the piece might be a little different than you have heard before, but I do not consider that to its detriment. On the contrary, this is one of the most divine recordings I have ever heard. The interchange between Bartoli and Anderson is inspiring, to say the least. Dutroit is uniformly concise, as are the Sinfonietta. Furthermore, the digital recording retains the ranges and qualities quite well. I can understand why others might balk at this rendition, though I would urge you to leave behind any preconceptions and regard this as a singular work. It is almost scary to think what Pergolesi might have written had he not been taken from us at such an early age, though this piece would be an achievement for a person of any age. Wonderful."