As a staunch
non-religion person, I am not naturally drawn to church music. With
important exceptions, such as most of Bach including his church
cantatas (minus libretto), his Mass in B minor and the St Matthew
Passion. And I have frequently shown my extreme hesitation when faced
with the countertenor / male alto or castrato voice. Every rule has
exceptions, however, and Philippe Jaroussky is one. His
countertenor voice is lovely and sounds so natural, and he has an
acute musical intellect that makes everything he sings sound moving.
Even church music, and I have just been revelling in Jaroussky
singing Vivaldi's sacred works, including a stunning Stabat Mater.
The music is exceptionally beautiful. The singing marvellous to hear.
The accompanying band (Ensemble Artaserse) first class, and
the recording (Erato) all that could be desired. This is not a CD to
be shelved in some distant corner, since I'll be listening to it
frequently, church music, countertenor, and all.
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