Pergolesi: Stabat Mater

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater," a masterwork composed in the final months of his short life. This live recording, released on April 18, 2025, by Verbier Festival Gold, captures the essence of Pergolesi's profound composition, a staple of the choral and classical genres.

The album spans a concise yet powerful 39 minutes, featuring a series of duets and solos that evoke the deep sorrow and reflection of the Stabat Mater text. Each track, from the haunting "Duet. Stabat Mater dolorosa" to the poignant "Duet. Quando corpus morietur – Amen," showcases the emotional depth and musical brilliance of Pergolesi's work. The live performance, directed by Scott Inglis-Kidger, brings an added layer of intensity and authenticity to this classic piece.

Pergolesi, a prolific composer of the Baroque era, created this piece at the age of 26, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences today. The "Stabat Mater" is not just a musical work but a journey through the themes of suffering, love, and redemption, as depicted in the poignant text it accompanies.

This album is a testament to the enduring power of Pergolesi's music, offering a glimpse into the composer's genius and the timeless appeal of his work. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this live recording of "Stabat Mater" is sure to captivate and inspire.

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, born in the picturesque town of Iesi, Italy, in 1710, was a prodigious composer, violinist, and organist whose brief yet impactful career left an indelible mark on the Baroque era. Despite his tragically short life, ending at just 26 years old in 1736, Pergolesi's compositions continue to resonate with audiences and musicians alike. His most celebrated works, the comic opera "La serva padrona" and the deeply moving "Stabat Mater," showcase his versatility and mastery of both secular and sacred music. Pergolesi's influence extended far beyond Italy, playing a significant role in the Querelle des Bouffons, a musical debate that swept through Europe. His compositions, characterized by their emotional depth and technical brilliance, continue to inspire and captivate, securing his place as one of the greatest Italian musicians of the 18th century.