Scarlatti's Stabat Mater | Nonsuch Singers

Nonsuch Singers return to St James’s Church, Sussex Gardens with a programme devoted to music for Lent.

In the first half we present three gems of the Italian high baroque. Chief among them is Domenico Scarlatti’s Stabat mater, a powerful ten-part choral setting of the famous 13th century text and a true masterpiece of sacred music. It is prefaced by two exquisite miniatures: the sumptuous 16-part Crucifixus by Scarlatti’s older contemporary Antonio Caldara; and an impassioned, almost madrigalian setting of Salve Regina by Francesco Cavalli, a choirboy at St Mark’s Basilica, Venice, in Monteverdi’s time there who later made his name as an opera composer.

Balancing these baroque pieces are two substantial works by 20th century composers. Kenneth Leighton’s cantata Crucifixus pro nobis is a disquieting portrayal of critical times in the life of Christ, ultimately redeemed by hope engendered by his death and resurrection. Gerald Finzi’s Lo, the full, final sacrifice, composed in 1946 is simply one of the finest church anthems ever written.

We look forward to welcoming you to this lovely church with its very special acoustic for an evening of memorable music.