Ziani: Alma Redemptoris Mater

After their recording of Stabat Mater settings by Vivaldi and Pergolesi,

Carlos Mena, the Ricercar Consort and Philippe Pierlot offer us the more

intimate version by Giovanni Felice Sances.The programme is completed by

motets dedicated to the Virgin, written by Italian musicians who held the

post of Kapellmeister at the Viennese court, and a Regina Coeli by Emperor Leopold I.

The celebration of the Nativity has always been a source of inspiration for composers. The different elements of the evangelical narrative evoke numerous images: tender feelings before the Baby Jesus; the gentleness of his mother, the Virgin Mary; the procession of the three Wise Men; the angelic choirs in Heaven; and these shepherds gathered in the manger.

All that appears in the musical repertoire linked to this holiday, as well as the presence of colourful instrumentations and themes connected to folk traditions. This set, released by Ricercar, brings together all these elements, drawn from the repertoires of the Renaissance and Baroque eras.