Libretto
Vivaldi, Spinosi, Lemieux, Jaroussky: four names inextricably linked in music-lovers’ minds ever since a certain Orlando furioso created a furore in concert halls across Europe in 2003. After Orlando, La fida ninfa, and the many concerts the three artists have given together, this recording of the two most famous sacred works of the Prete Rosso was an obvious and unquestioned next step.
This Stabat Mater is the earliest known of Vivaldi's sacred vocal works; it was first performed in 1712, a year after the publication of his "L'estro armonico" collection of violin concertos. This medieval Latin poem describing Christ's mother at the foot of the cross has been set many times over the centuries, and in fact Vivaldi only uses half of the verses, leaving out most of the "let me feel your pain" sections - thus it's a far more dramatic than reflective work.
The music for the first 4 verses is essentially repeated for the next four, but with a darker hue; this is followed by 2 more verses of a more optimistic nature, and an Amen. Marie-Nicole Lemieux seems perfect as the soloist, with a contralto voice that sounds appropriately motherly, becoming impassioned as needed but also singing the dark, low notes in a way that strikes the heart. In the liner notes conductor Jean-Christophe Spinosi remarks on how she makes the music sound like a lullaby.
The Nisi Dominus is less immediately dramatic in terms of subject matter and can be considered more of a showpiece. The showman is Philippe Jaroussky, who needs no introduction. His voice is smooth and feminine, and just doesn't sound like falsetto. It's a magnificent sound. As played and sung here, this is one of the most gorgeous pieces of music you'll hear.
What you might call the encore piece is in between the other two; the Crucifixus movement from a Credo that might not be by Vivaldi. It's an opportunity for Jaroussky and Lemieux to sing together.
Two great baroque singers on top form, backed wonderfully. The name of Jaroussky is enough of a recommendation but Lemieux's Stabat mater is another great reason to listen to it.
Vivaldi
Nisi Dominus
per contro-tenore, archi e basso continuo RV 608
Philippe Jaroussky countertenor
Crucifixus
per contralto, contro-tenore, archi e basso continuo
from the credo in sol maggiore RV 592
Marie-Nicole Lemieux Philippe Jaroussky
Stabat Mater
per contralto, archi e basso continuo RV 621
Marie-Nicole Lemieux contralto
Ensemble Matheus
Jean-Christophe Spinosi conductor