Composer: Antonio Vivaldi
Works: Stabat Mater, Nisi Dominus
Performers: David Daniels (countertenor), Europa Galante (Fabio Biondi – violin, viola d’amore & direction; Lorenzo Colitto – violin; Ernesto Braucher – viola; Maurizio Naddeo – cello; Sergio Ciomei – organ; Francisco Jose Montero – violone; Ugo Nastrucci – theorbo)
Recording: August 2001, American Academy of Arts and Letters, New York
Label: Virgin Veritas
Antonio Vivaldi, a luminary of the Baroque era, is often celebrated for his exuberant concertos and operatic works, yet his sacred compositions reveal a different facet of his artistry—one steeped in intimacy and emotional depth. The “Stabat Mater,” a poignant meditation on the Virgin Mary’s suffering, alongside the contemplative “Nisi Dominus,” exemplifies Vivaldi’s ability to marry lyrical beauty with profound theological reflection. This recording, featuring countertenor David Daniels and the agile ensemble Europa Galante, presents these works with a sensitivity that illuminates their inherent pathos.
Daniels’s voice is a compelling instrument—rich and dark, it stands in stark contrast to the often ethereal quality of many countertenors. His interpretation of the “Stabat Mater” is marked by a dynamic range that allows him to navigate the work’s emotional landscape adeptly. Particularly notable is his performance of “Eja Mater,” where the minimal violin accompaniment creates an intimate atmosphere that highlights his vocal nuances. Although his vibrato occasionally draws attention away from the purity of the line—especially in the hushed moments with scant accompaniment—the overall effect is one of compelling expressiveness. Vivaldi’s melodic lines, which often seem to sigh and lament, are rendered with a poignant clarity that is undeniably absorbing.
The instrumental support from Europa Galante is equally commendable. Biondi’s direction ensures that the ensemble balances the vocal line with deftness and restraint. The strings produce a warm, rich timbre that envelops Daniels’s voice, yet there are moments when the organ’s presence is overly pronounced, occasionally overshadowing the more delicate elements of the texture. This is particularly evident in passages such as “Nisi Dominus,” where the organ’s resonance, while lush, can disrupt the subtle interplay between voice and instruments. However, the overall sound is well-crafted, with a natural acoustic that breathes life into Vivaldi’s intricate counterpoint.
Recording quality is paramount in this genre, and Virgin’s engineering captures the intimate essence of the performance aptly. The clarity of the voices against the strings and continuo allows for a nuanced listening experience, although some balance issues remain evident. Compared to other notable recordings—such as those featuring Cecilia Bartoli or Andreas Scholl—this interpretation offers a distinct approach that emphasizes Daniels’s unique vocal color and interpretive choices, creating a fresh perspective on these well-trodden works.
This recording of Vivaldi’s “Stabat Mater” and “Nisi Dominus” succeeds in delivering a deeply moving experience. The combination of Daniels’s expressive singing and Europa Galante’s responsive playing creates a compelling narrative that resonates with the listener. While certain interpretative choices may invite debate, the overall execution is marked by an authenticity that captures the essence of Vivaldi’s sacred music. The disc stands as a significant addition to the canon of recorded Baroque music, inviting both seasoned listeners and newcomers to explore the profound emotional depths of these sacred masterpieces.
