Emma Kirkby captures the poignancy of these pieces with outstanding ability and delivers two of her best performances ever. She's an exceptional musician - unaffected, subtle, sincere and technically flawless. James Bowman also provides a very fine performance but the Stabat Mater is more of a challenge for him and he sounds a little overwhelmed sometimes. However, the interplay between both singers is amazing. Salve Regina is an equally beautiful piece and Emma Kirkby gives another wonderful performance. Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music are as stunning as ever, they manage to bring freshness and immediacy to the Stabat Mater - no small feat considering the rather solemn subject matter - and the Salve Regina shines with almost preternatural beauty. Pergolesi was a very innovative and daring composer, and these renditions show his works in all their sombre and passionate glory.
