Núria Rial (soprano)
Orchester Le Phénix

Boccherini: Stabat Mater (1st version, 1781, for soprano & string orchestra), G532
Boccherini: Symphony in D major, G500


For the setting of the contemplative but highly emotional text of the medieval sequence Stabat mater Boccherini chose an intimate chamber music instrumentation of soprano and string quintet (in his preferred instrumentation with two violins, viola and two cellos).

The five string instruments are not only accompaniment, but together with the singing voice they transform into one instrument section, so that one can speak of a sextet for singing voice and string quintet. With the angelic singing of Núria Rial, the work becomes a real treat for lovers of beautiful voices and chamber music lovers alike.

"Boccherini’s take on the Stabat mater is largely restrained and reflective, with little in the way of showpiece dramatics. Soprano Nuria Rial is an effortlessly elegant soloist." - BBC Music Magazine, March 2019