Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's "Septem verba a Christo" is a profound and moving exploration of the seven last words spoken by Christ on the cross, as recorded in the Gospels. This choral masterpiece, released on March 25, 2013, under the Harmonia Mundi label, is a testament to Pergolesi's deep spiritual insight and musical genius. The album, spanning 80 minutes, is a collection of recitatives and arias that delve into the profound moments of Christ's final hours, each word serving as a poignant reflection on faith, redemption, and human suffering.
The album features the exquisite performances of Sophie Karthaüser, Christophe Dumaux, Julien Behr, and Konstantin Wolff, accompanied by the renowned Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, all under the direction of René Jacobs. Their interpretations bring a rich depth to Pergolesi's compositions, highlighting the intricate interplay between the vocal and instrumental elements.
"Septem verba a Christo" is not just a recording but a deeply immersive experience. Each track is meticulously crafted to evoke the solemnity and reverence of the events it portrays. From the hauntingly beautiful arias to the contemplative recitatives, every piece is a journey into the heart of Pergolesi's spiritual and musical vision. The album's genres, spanning choral, requiem, and classical music, ensure a broad appeal to both classical enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper spiritual connection through music.
This album is a timeless addition to any classical music collection, offering a unique blend of historical significance and artistic brilliance. Whether you are a seasoned fan of Pergolesi's work or a newcomer to his compositions, "Septem verba a Christo" promises an enriching and spiritually uplifting experience.
2013 harmonia mundi2013 harmonia mundi
Tracks
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum I. "Pater, dimitte illis: non enim sciunt qui faciunt" (Luke 23:34): Recitativo "Huc, o dilecti filii" (Christus)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Konstantin Wolff, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum I. "Pater, dimitte illis: non enim sciunt qui faciunt" (Luke 23:34): Aria "En doceo diligere"Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Konstantin Wolff, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum I. "Pater, dimitte illis: non enim sciunt qui faciunt" (Luke 23:34): Aria "Quod iubes, magne Domine" (Anima)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Chrsitophe Dumaux, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum II. "Amen dico tibI. hodie mecum eris in Paradiso" (Luke 25:43): Recitativo "Venite, currite" (Christus)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Julien Behr, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum II. "Amen dico tibI. hodie mecum eris in Paradiso" (Luke 25:43): Aria "Latronem hunc aspicite"Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Julien Behr, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum II. "Amen dico tibI. hodie mecum eris in Paradiso" (Luke 25:43): Aria: "Ah! peccatoris supplicis" (Anima)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Sophie Karthäuser, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum III. "Mulier ecce filius tuus" (John 19:26): Recitativo "Quo me, amor?" (Christus)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Konstantin Wolff, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum III. "Mulier ecce filius tuus" (John 19:26): Aria "Dilecta Genitrix"Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Konstantin Wolff, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum III. "Mulier ecce filius tuus" (John 19:26): Recitativo "Servator optime" (Anima)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Sophie Karthäuser, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum III. "Mulier ecce filius tuus" (John 19:26): Aria "Quod iubes, magne Domine"Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Sophie Karthäuser, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum IV. "Deus meus, "Deus meus, ut quid dereliquisti me?" (Mark 15:34): Aria "Huc oculos" (Christus)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Konstantin Wolff, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum IV. "Deus meus, "Deus meus, ut quid dereliquisti me?" (Mark 15:34): Aria "Afflicte, derelicte"Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Chrsitophe Dumaux, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum V. "Sitio" (John 19:28): Aria "O vos omnes, qui transitis" (Christus)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Konstantin Wolff, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum V. "Sitio" (John 19:28): Aria "Non nectar, non vinum, non undas"Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Julien Behr, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum VI. "Consummatum est" (John 19:29): Aria "Huc advolate mortales" (Christus)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Konstantin Wolff, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum VI. "Consummatum est" (John 19:29): Aria "Sic consummasti omnia"Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Sophie Karthäuser, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum VII. "Pater, inmanus tuas commendo spiritum meum" (Luke 23:44-46): Recitativo "Quotquot coram cruce statis" (Christus)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Konstantin Wolff, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum VII. "Pater, inmanus tuas commendo spiritum meum" (Luke 23:44-46): Aria "In tuum, Pater, gremium"Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Konstantin Wolff, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs
Septem verba a Christo in cruce moriente prolata, Verbum VII. "Pater, inmanus tuas commendo spiritum meum" (Luke 23:44-46): Aria "Quid ultra peto vivere" (Anima)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Julien Behr, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, René Jacobs