Cecilia Bartoli continued her study of Agostino Steffani with this CD devoted to spiritual works. Relatively little is known about Italian church music from the late seventeenth century. Listening to this CD you can get an idea why. Although the Stabat Mater is a beautiful work considered to be Steffani's masterpiece, his church music skips too much between two styles. The interweaving of multiple
… solo parts ensures that you are not really carried away by the dramatic narration. On the other hand, the vocals are too operatic, too virtuoso for the music to be a reflection of the 'harmony of the spheres'. It is not music that will appeal to a large audience. However, enthusiasts will be pleased with a beautiful performance of rare repertoire. For fans of Cecilia Bartoli it may be important to know that her role on this CD is relatively modest. (CP)more
