Florilegium - Soloists: Elin Manahan Thomas – soprano / Robin Blaze – countertenor / Ashley Solomon – flute / Jennifer Morsches – cello
G.B. Pergolesi:
Stabat Mater / Flute Concerto in G major / Sinfonia in F major for cello and b.c. / Salve Regina in F minor
A Magnifying Posthumous Celebrity
Pergolesi
As a composer Pergolesi’s productive career began at the age of twenty, and by twenty six (March 1736) he had died of tuberculosis. During his lifetime Pergolesi’s fame was restricted, in the main, to Rome and Naples, yet after his death, his reputation eclipsed most other composers in the second half of the eighteenth century. The whole of Europe developed an increasing curiosity for his compositions. His posthumous celebrity status was such a magnet in the music world that, hoping to reap large financial profits, publishers and opera directors alike attributed his name to hundreds of vocal and instrumental works by lesser-known composers. Following Pergolesi’s death the Stabat Mater became one of the most celebrated and frequently printed works of the 18th century.
Florilegium
Regular performances in some of the world’s most prestigious venues have confirmed Florilegium’s status as one of Britain’s most outstanding period instrument ensembles.
Since their formation in 1991 they have established a reputation for stylish and exciting interpretations, from intimate chamber works to large-scale orchestral and choral repertoire, frequently working with some of the world’s finest musicians. Like on this recording with Elin Manahan Thomas, fast becoming one of Britain’s leading young sopranos, and Robin Blaze, established in the front rank of countertenor interpreters of Purcell, Bach and Handel.
