Haydn’s wonderful Stabat Mater is far less well known than those of Pergolesi and other composers; this recording made in Paris in 1978 was a pioneering version using reconstructed scores and revised by renowned musicologist and scholar H C Robbins Landon. Also included is the even rarer LIBERA ME, only discovered in the mid 20th century. The soloists are: ANNA MARIA BONDI (soprano), CLAUDIA EDER (mezzo), AXEL REICHARDT (tenor) and KÜRT KRATTINGER (bass) with the Choral Philippe Caillard.
“Balances are excellent and solo vocal lines clear.. the performance of the Stabat Mater is careful and accurate. [ Libera me ] is exquisite. This performance captures the funereal essence of the Libera Me better than the only other one I know. The performance of the symphony is both correct and sensitive, the sound clean, almost sweet. The double Concerto is a delight; violinist Manzoni is imaginative, his instrument rich, and the harpsichord sparkles. “
James H North
“...a most welcome disc. [Stabat Mater] is long but profoundly satisfying. The group do not use period performance practice, but the sound is crisp and lithe, Tempi are kept moving and the overall sound is slim and not overblown. The Chorale Phillippe Caillard make an equally strong contribution. [Libera Me] is a short but charming work and receives a decent performance here.” Robert Hugill
“The Stabat Mater is a neglected masterpiece. I enjoyed the performances... the work [of the Chorale] is quite admirable – as is the orchestra. Orchestra and soloists do very well here, in recordings that wear their age well. The symphony in particular is very cleanly performed. The analog sound is nicely remastered.”
Koob
