This is an inexpensive pairing of two previously released Opus 111 recordings. The packaging is minimal–any information about the works, as well as texts, must be found on the label’s French-language-only, poorly organized website. Even at the reduced price, this set is no bargain. Conductor Christoph Spering has opted to de-theatricalize the Stabat Mater, adopting quick tempos and very little drama. Piety in religious music, even Rossini’s, is not a bad thing, but take away the excitement from this work and you’re left with notes–lots and lots of notes–beautifully played and well-enough sung, but with little passion to hold the interest.
And the Petite messe is an even drearier affair. Here the piety translates into poky, mellow tempos and even more understatement than in the (granted) flashier Stabat Mater. It’s handsomely recorded, and, as mentioned, well performed, but with so much fine competition this experimental misinterpretation is hardly worth a listen. If it’s theatricality and great singing you want, Decca offers both works in one set; the Stabat Mater gets a fine reading under Chung on DG.
