Vivaldi: Stabat Mater, Nisi Dominus, Longe Mala

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Anyone familiar with Vivaldi only through his innumerable concertos (which are, unjustly, often accused of sounding alike) will be surprised by this recording. Vivaldi, in fact, composed a lot of vocal music, both sacred and secular, and wrote for voices no less skillfully than for instruments. The three works presented here, for alto, solo strings, and organ, are utterly beautiful and completely different in character, mood, and feeling.

The "Stabat Mater" is most substantial. Alternating recitatives and arias, often framed by instrumental ritornellos, it is heartbreakingly mournful, but ends peacefully before closing with a whole aria on "Amen." The other two works are real bravura pieces for the singer. They cover an enormous range and are full of florid coloratura passages and wide leaps. "Nisi Dominus" is very dramatic, with mysterious chromatic lines and big climaxes; "Longe mala" goes from defiant vehemence through fervent entreaty to serene resignation.

The performances are fabulous. David Daniels's voice has a pure, unearthly beauty and is perfectly even in quality across a huge range. Every note is meticulously placed and in tune, his breath control is incredible, his stylistic and emotional identification with the music complete. The musicians of Europa Galante support him splendidly, not as an accompanying group, but as true partners, playing with a lovely sound, imaginative ornamentation, and great expressiveness. The record's only flaw is that Daniels's breathing is clearly audible; he must have stood too close to the microphone. --Edith Eisler

Tracks:

Stabat Mater: Stabat Mater dolorossa
Stabat Mater: Cujus animam
Stabat Mater: O quam tristis
Stabat Mater: Quis est homo
Stabat Mater: Quis non posset
Stabat Mater: Pro peccatis
Stabat Mater: Eja Mater
Stabat Mater: Fac ut ardeat
Stabat Mater: Amen
Nisi Dominus: Nisi Dominus
Nisi Dominus: Vanum est vobis
Nisi Dominus: Surgite postquam sederitis
Nisi Dominus: Cum dederit dilectis
Nisi Dominus: Sicut sagittae
Nisi Dominus: Beatus vir
Nisi Dominus: Gloria Patri
Nisi Dominus: Sicut erat
Nisi Dominus: Amen
Longe mala, umbrae, terrores: Longe mala, umbrae, terrores
Longe mala, umbrae, terrores: Recedite, nubes et fulgura
Longe mala, umbrae, terrores: Descende, o coeli vox
Longe mala, umbrae, terrores: Alleluia

Amazon.com

Anyone familiar with Vivaldi only through his innumerable concertos (which are, unjustly, often accused of sounding alike) will be surprised by this recording. Vivaldi, in fact, composed a lot of vocal music, both sacred and secular, and wrote for voices no less skillfully than for instruments. The three works presented here, for alto, solo strings, and organ, are utterly beautiful and completely different in character, mood, and feeling.

Customer Reviews:

Vivid Vivaldi - Daniels, Europa Galante Partner Triumphantly.......2004-08-09

Countertenor David Daniels has no problem showcasing his versatility, as he joins forces this time with the seven-man ensemble Europa Galante, led by violinist Fabio Biondi, to provide a wonderfully satisfying performance of these three works by Vivaldi. Like most people who are not well versed in classical music, my only familiarity with Vivaldi prior to this recording was the omnipresent "The Four Seasons", even though he wrote over 500 concertos. That's why this disc is an important addition to any classical music library, as it represents a composer who displayed a strong sense of instruments producing sound color and musical effects of great beauty. When you add the incomparable Daniels to the mix, then the beauty of these works becomes enhanced exponentially.

The disc has the intimate feel of a chamber music recital, and the result is nothing short of a revelation. It paints a broad landscape of moods and textures ranging from the deeply melancholy and religious "Stabat Mater" to the nearly operatic "Longe mala". With the "Stabat Mater", one can almost see the Virgin Mary sitting at the base of the cross. My personal favorite is "Nisi Dominus", which Vivaldi wrote for an especially talented orphan girl to sing on the anniversary of the conservatory at which he taught, the Ospedale della Pietà. This piece allows Daniels to show his dramatic flair in a heartfelt expression of emotions - vigorous awe, sorrow and joy. His uncanny combination of a rich coloratura and a warm, honey-toned timbre allows him to stand head and shoulders above his countertenor brethren. What Daniels does so well is make an otherwise unearthly sound completely natural, and his incredibly flexible legato never feels out of control. Simply compare the ending "Amen" and "Alleluia" arias of the three pieces to gain a full appreciation of what this astounding singer can do with just one word.

To say that Europa Galante simply accompanies Daniels would be a complete understatement, as their instruments appear to be full-fledged partners to his vocals. The coupling works beautifully, especially the string section, which appears to match his vocal intensity note for note. The collaboration makes for a breathtaking recording and yet another impressive milestone in the career of David Daniels.

Sublime (As Usual).......2002-09-27

Having purchased the Scholl version when it was released I must admit to having been a little disappointed. Then came the Daniels' rendition and I realized that, when this particular singer sings, there is little one can do but sit back and let the wonderful, unearthly quality of his voice wash over you. Daniels is an exexceptional singer and this is a wonderful recording. He is admirably accompanied by Fabio Biondi.

The Stabat Mater performance is wanting...........2002-08-14

While I have enjoyed David Daniels' previous works like the Handel operatic arias and his lieder album Serenade, I can't say the same for this Vivaldi release. Having owned Andreas Scholl's Harmonia Mundi recording of the Stabat Mater for several years (and dozens of listening, literally), Daniels' interpretation falls horribly flat to my ear. His voice is not as ethereal or light in the "female" register as you'd expect from a countertenor. His voice is indeed too heavy and unfocused, especially if you're familiar with Scholl's clarity and soaring high notes. The Nisi Dominus and Longe Mala are worthy performances, but I have to give this 3 stars not 4 or 5. If you're looking for the most "authentic" countertenor performance of the Stabat Mater, seek out Andreas Scholl's which features two other cantatas as well.

A grotesque parody of the female voice.......2002-02-20

In the past I owned a version of this that was stunningly beautiful, but accidently mixed it in with a batch of CDs to be sold..., so I assumed this full priced version would be wonderful. I found that the pacing dragged badly and that Daniels voice (which others rave about) was such a grotesque parody of the female voice that I couldn't stay in the room with it. If you like Vogueing you might like this. Listen carefully to make sure you really like this everpresent voice. I love contertenor singing, but I could not abide this. I would prefer something like Rutter did in his fabulous Requiem instead. I realize this might be a matter of individual taste, but to me this is one of the most unlistenable classical albums I have ever bought.

Stylish performances from a fruitful collaboration.......2002-01-12

David Daniels is really a wonder! While the voice of counter tenors is by its nature rather androgynous, there is something both alluring and masculine in Daniels's tone. The so-called "counter-tenor hoot" is largely absent and his sizable voice is vibrant and evenly produced throughout a considerable
range. Daniels is also sensitive towards the words and any variation in musical dynamics and he is willing (and able) to vary the colour of his voice to suit the different musical and textual needs (quite difficult for a falsettist). This makes his interpretation of the 3 sacred works included in this CD both vivid and heart-felt. I would also mention that his breath control is excellent and his coloratura facility quite astounding. (The florid runs in some of the sections would probably tax even the most accomplished of mezzo-sopranos, and yet Daniels is able to toss them off fluently and with great elan.) What charismatic singing!

Fabio Biondi's playing of the violin and viola d'amore and the accompaniment of the Europa Biondi are delightful! Not only are they most musical and alert, they and Daniels work as close partners, each echoing the other's musical inflections. Their embellishments are both interesting and stylish. The music sounds freshly-minted under their combined hands (voices), and there is also a sense of grace and nobility in the performances, which is appropriate for this type of music. The good recording quality further enhances the effect of their fruitful collaboration.