This recording by the French ensemble Stradivaria offers three rarely-heard settings of the Stabat Mater that were composed between 1750 and 1770. While similar in construction each composer puts his own unique stamp on communicating the timeless text.

The setting for alto and two sopranos by the Malta-born, Neapolitan-trained Girolamo Abos (1715-1760) reflects the composer’s operatic background. While the influence of Pergolesi and his famous setting are present, Abos scores points with his melodic acuity and skilled counterpoint, particularly in the concluding Amen.

Quirino Gasparini’s (1721-1778) setting for two sopranos and strings skillfully alternates duets and solos and presents a heart-breaking tableaux of the grieving mother in bold chiaroscuro strokes. The final, quiet duet, Quando corpus, is a stunner and is beautifully sung by sopranos Isabelle Poulenard and Isabelle Desrochers.

The biggest surprise on the recording is the lean but emotionally charged version by Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770). Nothing of the fantastical side of Tartini is present in this piece; instead, he sets the text in a simple, clear fashion with chant alternating with straight-ahead, hymn-like passages.

This is the first recording I’ve heard by Stradivaria and I’m keen to hear more. The trio of singers, alto Martin Oro and the two Isabelles, blend seamlessly. The instrumental support, while suitably subdued, is rich and colorful. Everything is beautifully paced and balanced; a superb job all around. CRAIG ZEICHNER