Pergolesi Year 2010 celebrates the birth 300 years ago of a first rank composer. Had Pergolesi not died young, his name would rank among the most stellar and influential of Italy’s 18th-century composers. Despite the brevity of his life (he died at 26), Pergolesi created numerous deathless works.

This special edition of three albums comes in a nice hardcover booklet and is an ideal gift for the festive season. As an extra, the booklet contains all texts in Italian, additional images, and a Pergolesi timeline.

The Stabat Mater album released in August 2009 got excellent reviews in the international press. Characteristic are these comments in The Times: “Abbado’s commitment to period style is never in doubt . . . He has exceptional soloists: Rachel Harnisch and Sara Mingardo in the Stabat, ravishing in the harmonic suspensions of their duets; a lovely toned Julia Kleiter in the Salve; and the exemplary Giuliano Carmignola in the rarely recorded Violin Concerto, a little masterpiece, all but forgotten by the mainstream.”

Pergolesi’s church music is distinguished not just by lively declamation of the text but by the melodic charm of the solo sections, which contrast richly with the choral passages. Abbado’s passion for this music meets these sacred compositions on the exalted level where they were composed.

The Dixit Dominus, Salve Regina in A minor, Confitebor tibi, Domine and Chi non ode e chi non vede are recorded live.

Contents:
CD 1
– Stabat mater
– Violin Concerto
– Salve Regina in C minor

CD 2
– Missa S. Emidio
– Salve Regina in F Minor
– Manca la guida al piè
– Laudate pueri Dominum

CD 3
– Dixit Dominus
– Confitebor, tibi Domine
– Chi non ode e chi non vede
– Salve regina in A minor