This is an effective arrangement of the first movement of Pergolesi's powerful choral work, for a low flute ensemble comprising 4 alto flutes, 3 bass flutes and contabass. The arrangement makes a prominent feature of octave doublings, which add resonance to the ensemble sound and gives a wonderful sense of depth (and excellent practice for developing intonation control). The first alto part goes enjoyably high, allowing the ensemble's full range to be used, and the richer lower tones are able to provide an element of dissonence. The technical challenges of this arrangement are relatively modest, leaving space for an ensemble to concentrate on resonance, depth of tone, intonation and the shaping of a melodic line. Recommended.
Carla Rees
The ‘Stabat Mater’ is a 13th-century Catholic hymn to Mary which has been set to music by many composers throughout history. Composed in the final weeks of his life, Giovanni Battista Pergolesi originally scored it for solo soprano and alto voices, accompanied by strings and basso continuo. The haunting first movement, ‘Stabat Mater Dolorosa,’ is full of anguish and musical suspensions, a perfectly suitable candidate for arrangement for low flute choir.
