Search - Gioachino Rossini, Pier Giorgio Morandi, Antonino Siragusa :: Rossini - Stabat Mater / Pace · Scalchi · Siragusa · Colombara · Morandi

Lovely and powerful music

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 11/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are many lovely settings to the text of "Stabat mater" (a Mother was standing), a part of the Roman Catholic liturgy and of only theoretical authorship, that has been a popular text for composers since the mid 1200s. The Dvorak version is particularly lovely, and it is rivaled by that of a composer more known for his comic operas. Rossini's was written on a commission; and, late as always, the Italian asked for help from other composers. But later on he finished it himself and it stands as a magnificent work from the composer of "The Barber of Seville" and "William Tell." Do not be surprised then to hear a good deal of operatic intensity in this work just as there is in the Verdi "Requiem." Naxos has done it again, offering us a budget priced edition (8.554443) with Pier Giorgio Morandi leading the Hungarian State Opera Chorus and Orchestra with soloists Patrizia Pace, Gloria Scalchi, Antonio Siragusa, and Carlo Colombara. The ten movements of this hour-long work pass by very quickly, thanks to the drama in the music and its reflection in the soloists' delivery. As always, the text in the original language (Latin in this case) and an English translation are provided. A terrific bargain at the price."

Hot-blooded reading of one of Rossini's last "sins"

Fredric Hohlen | Milwaukee, WI USA | 05/28/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"To me, interpretation of Rossini's sacred music leaves one between a rock and a hard place. Rossini stated his intent to keep his work away from secular excess and the theatrical world of the operatic stage, and yet at the same time his Stabat Mater presents the same grand dramatic style one would find in his earlier stage work. Many conductors have opted to record the Stabat Mater in a more reverent style than Morandi, who gives us a most operatic and fiery interpretation of the work. Is this bad? It depends. For me, Morandi's zeal and the raw power of the orchestra behind him truly brings out the emotional depth of the latin text, even if it does at times seem to go against the composers original intent. As this is the case, I heartily recommend this set to anyone already familiar with Rossini's style who are interested in his sacred music. For those seeking a more reverant account, I've also had the pleasure of hearing Chung's account on DG as well, and recommend it to anyone who wants a (for lack of better words) more 'serene' Stabat Mater."

The Catharsis of Rossini

Fredric Hohlen | 10/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In a word, Amazing. This composer of multiple operas, many famous the world over, shows an intense spiritual drive in one of his last works, Stabat Mater. The music is superb, with one song after another of memorable harmonies and melodies. As each song has something differrent to offer let me deal with each individually.1 Stabat Mater dolorosa- Wonderful opening. Forboding in parts. The vocal line is good. Watch especially for the opening harmony between Patrizia Pace and Gloria Scalchi.2 Cujus animam gementem- Starts off very forboding. But then it turns into an almost joyous lilt with Antonino Siragusa getting up there for those high notes.3 Quis est homo- One of the best. Angelic harmony- all that needs to be said.4 Pro peccatis- Bass Carlo Colombara comes into his own. A forboding song until the wonderful, heartfelt melody jumps in.5 Eja, Mater, fons amoris- Look for the chorus singing. Again a bass song.6 Sancta Mater- A quartet. Very nicely done. Balanced and well executed. Not to mention the song itself is perfect.7 Fac ut portem- Reminds me of a solo "Quis est homo." Wonderful with a solid vocal line.8 Inflammatus et accensus- Great. The ominous chords might throw you off, but wait till the solo line. Ornamentation is perfected executed. And watch out for the chorus backing her up- very catchy.9 Quando corpus morietur- A complete group piece. Calming for the most part. Reminds you of a choir in church.10 In sempiterna saecula- A fugue. Complicated at times but that just adds to it. A great concluding tour de force. This CD is wonderful. Not only is the music itself wonderful, the performance is extraordinary. When listening it you will experience a catharsis. The whole piece will purge you of your simple emotions and you will be caught up in the whirlwind of Rossini's masterpiece."