Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This generously priced two disc set gives us three of the greatest 'Stabat Maters' to compare and contrast along with some outstanding extras from Antontio Vivaldi to ensure that both discs give a full hour. Please note that everything here has been released before and that there are many other recordings available although at the bargain price to celebrate the French label Naive's 15th birthday it may not matter too much if you already have some of what is on offer. Frankly if you have any sort of interest in the sacred choral repertoire you should have something from all three composers featured in this box and the performers are also well worth hearing. CD 1 is devoted to the prolific Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) with Jean-Christophe Spinosi's Ensemble Matheus giving us "Nisi Dominus", "Crucifixus", and "Stabat Mater". If you only know Vivaldi's instrumental works you are in for a treat. Disc 2 is shared between Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736) and Alessandro Scarlatti (1660-1725) with both giving us their versions of "Stabat Mater" with Rinaldo Alessandrini's Concerto Italiano doing the honours. Both discs were well received on their original release and if like us you missed either first time around then rejoice because they are once more available and at a most generous price.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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