Ensemble ‘Les Passions’, the Montauban Baroque Orchestra, under the direction of Jean-Marc Andrieu performed a programme of Baroque music in the abbey church of Saint-Cyprien in the Dordogne. This was a concert I had been particularly looking forward to as the third piece performed, Pergolesi’s ‘Stabat Mater’ is one of my favourite works from the Baroque repertoire.

The concert began with two works by Alessandro Scarlatti, ‘Salve Regina’ and the ‘Recorder Concerto in A minor’. The first was performed beautifully by both musicians and singers, with the voices working well off each other. Jean-Marc Andrieu played the solo in the ‘Recorder Concerto’ and whilst he played with great gusto, the acoustics of the high-ceiling abbey church were probably not the best for appreciating the nuances of the instrument.

Les Passions

The ensemble certainly did justice to the final work, the ‘Stabat Mater’. Giovanni Pergolesi composed it in 1736, finishing it just before his tragic death from tuberculosis at the age of only 26. It became one of his most celebrated sacred works, achieving great popularity after his death. ‘Les Passions’ performed it superbly, especially soprano Magali Léger and counter-tenor Paulin Bündgen, who both have voices wonderfully suited to Baroque choral works. A standing ovation brought the ensemble back for a repeat perfomance of the final two parts.

Soprano Magali Léger and counter-tenor Paulin Bündgen

Alessandro Scarlatti: ‘Salve Regina for two voices, two violins and continuo’;
Alessandro Scarlatti: ‘Concerto in A minor for recorder, 2 violins and continuo;
Giovanni Battista Pergolesi: ‘Stabat Mater for two voices, strings and continuo’.