Beata Vergine (Jaroussky)

Philippe Jaroussky, whose recording of Vivaldi’s Virtuoso Cantatas has established him as one of the most promising counter-tenors of his generation, returns here with a rich selection of motets dedicated to the Virgin Mary, composed in the 17th century by Italian composers.

Although the majority of these composers were very famous at their time, their works are quite unknown today, and very rarely, if ever, recorded. The central piece is Giovanni Felice Sances’ Stabat Mater dolorosa, which at just over 10 minutes is also the longest.
It is considered a masterpiece of the times, and a thoroughly poignant work.

Most of the motets are for solo counter-tenor voice, with a small ensemble accompaniment. Jaroussky again teamed up with his own Ensemble Artaserse for this recording. And two motets he sings with Canadian contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux, whose name is gaining international recognition.