24 May 2007
Beeld Plus

Soloists convince with the depth of the “Stabat Mater”
Stabat Mater (Pergolesi)

Nazareth House, Pretoria
Gerrit Jordaan

Last Sunday, Pergolesi’s (1710 – 1736) Stabat Mater sounded well in the marble shrouded Nazareth House Chapel. Pergolesi’s melodic talent can be heard in this intimate work for soprano and alto soloists as well as string accompaniment. The classical Latin text captures the emotions of the Mother of Jesus as she lives through the execution of her Son. 

In this performance, Michelle Veenemans (soprano) and Paul Ferreira (counter tenor) as soloists portrayed the depth of the emotions of this work convincingly. Veenemans sparkled in her interpretation of the role. The definition of sound (which continually consisted of lightness) is a particular attractive quality in her voice.  

It was a surprise to hear Paul Ferreira, who regularly accompanies Veenemans as pianist, in the alto role. Although the two singers emphatically sang together, their voice qualities differ drastically. Both singers’ musicality is to be praised.

The string ensemble that consisted of a string quartet and harpsichord was competently lead by Christo Burger.

(Newspaper review: Translation from Afrikaans to English)