Sacred Music
This episode focuses on two composers who each set the 13th-century text of the Stabat Mater to music in their own distinctive way in the 18th century: the Italian Alessandro Scarlatti and the Spaniard José de Nebra.
Scarlatti presumably composed his Stabat Mater shortly before his death in 1724. Written for soprano, alto, two violins and basso continuo, it is one of his most impressive sacred works.
Almost thirty years later, in 1752, José de Nebra composed his own setting of the Stabat Mater. The Spanish composer, who was associated with the Royal Chapel in Madrid for many years, wrote for four vocal parts, violins and transverse flutes. His music reveals the unfluences of his experience composing operas and zarzuelas.
These are two distinct interpretations of the same medieval text, which portrays Mary’s sorrow at the foot of the cross.
Playlist
Alessandro Scarlatti (1660–1725)
- Stabat Mater
Performers: Emmanuelle De Negri (soprano); Les Accents, directed by Thibault Noally (violin)
(CD: Alpha, 1179)
José de Nebra (1702–1768)
- Stabat Mater
Performers: La Grande Chapelle, directed by Albert Recasens
(CD: Lauda, LAU028)
Additional work
Aniello Santangelo (d. 1771)
- From the Sinfonia in F major: Andante
Performers: Abchordis Ensemble
(CD: Deutsche Harmonia Mundi, 88875159722)
Image: Alessandro Scarlatti
