This is the world première recording of an imaginative
reconstruction of Pergolesi's Marian Vespers. Music from
different stages in Pergolesi's career has been put together
to form a legitimate sequence which may be called Vespers. Some
of the pieces may have formed part of a great service of
thanksgiving in Naples on December 31 1732 celebrating the
city's recovery from an earthquake.
In this recording, the Magnificat has been extrapolated from
the motet In hac die; other pieces include a splendidly
Handelian Dixit Dominus for double chorus and double
orchestra, a gently operatic antiphon (Caelestibus regnis)
and a sublime Salve regina.
Recorded in St Jude's Church, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London
6-9 & 16-19 July 2002
Playing time :117'43" DDD
Reviews
"
The speculative reconstruction sounds immediately convincing,
thanks, in part, to sensitive handling of sources and, above all,
to the passionately committed singing and playing from Edward
Higginbottom's honey-toned yet youthful-sounding choir.
Magnificent stuff, not to be missed."
Classic FM Magazine
"
An extremely interesting and enjoyable set, with admirable supporting
soloists, a first-rate, responsive choir and orchestra,
and thoroughly idiomatic direction from Edward Higginbottom."
The Gramophone
"
Sumptuously performed by two fine sopranos with Edward Higginbottom's
New College choir, this is required listening for connoisseurs,
collectors and all lovers of baroque beauties."
The Observer
"
New College Choir revels in the energy and
joy of this music, while soloists Sophie Daneman and Noemi Kiss
highlight the melodic richness of Pergolesi's writing"
Music Week
