Emma Kirkby - Stabat Mater

Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music here offer a spirited, colorful, and certainly one of the most unique performances of Pergolesi's most beloved sacred settings. For instance Hogwood eschews the traditional choir entirely heightening the roles of soloists. Having been in countless recordings together previous to these 1988 sessions, soprano Emma Kirkby and counter-tenor James Bowman rise to the occasion famously delivering highly emotional, tonally pure, captivating performances throughout. Decca's well-balanced sound is crisp, clear, and without any trace of edginess typical of original instrument recordings at the time.

1) Stabat Mater
2) Magnificat
3) Salve Regina in C minor (1736)
4) Miserere II in C minor