Though the individual movements are by and large relatively short, the composer endows them with some surprisingly delightful characteristics…The “Christe eleison,” sung with a nice tonal blend by sopranos Raffaella Milanesi and Sara Mingardo, as well as bass Salvo Vitale, is an elegant trio that flows effortlessly and lyrically, with only the occasional punctuation of dissonant harmonies in some nice suspensions. These are also evident in the twisting and turning lines of the Gloria…The “Gratias agimus tibi” has a fluid cantus firmus above a ground bass that ranges from a walking line to a chaconne bass. The “Qui tollis” is almost ethereal in its unfolding homophony, a moment of magical majesty. The “Cum sancto spiritu” is a fugue, but where the subject and countersubject often collide before devolving into episodic suspensions. This is quite a unique approach to counterpoint, sounding at moments for all the world more advanced than the time it was written. The Sanctus is hardly solemn, with a rapidly moving bass line above which each lyrical vocal line enters and weaves in and out of each other.

There is of course much more to the Mass, but one should not neglect the Stabat Mater, given that it is a carefully constructed and poignant work. The melting suspensions of the “Quis est homo” are as flowing and emotional as Giovanni Pergolesi; the duet between the violin and alto in the “Eia, mater” has a tortuous line that is underscored by the dotted rhythms of the accompaniment. The slowly evolving homophonic chords of the “Virgo virginum” are nicely transparent, while the “Fac me cruce” is positively Vivaldian in its interplay between the bass voice and strings.

…suffice it to say that this recording of the Stabat Mater, at least, supersedes those that have come before. It is a marvelous work, worthy of standing alongside Pergolesi. As for the Mass, it too is a fine composition…As for the performance, Alessandrini provides a solid set of tempos and has a good sense of phrasing. The solo voices are uniformly excellent, with good intonation and fine interpretive skills…the recording is to be highly recommended for both its performance and the music that it presents. © 2013 Fanfare Read complete review