Stabat Mater (Pergolesi, Scarlatti): Alessandrini/Concerto Italiano, Mingardo, Bertagnolli

5/5. Small string orchestra, but at least it doesn't flaunt it, and besides that is the most intelligent recording I've listened to of these pieces; I just get the impression that everyone involved has put a lot of thought into the musicality, and as a result it is always interesting, never boring, and honestly often breathtaking. The Scarlatti is also awesome, if not more awesome; I don't know why this one isn't recorded more. (I love Scarlatti, though, so not exactly impartial.) Although I still have this massive soft spot for the Biondi recording of the Pergolesi, this one is consistently stronger and the one I would overall recommend if you wanted just one recording of the Pergolesi, or of the Scarlatti, for that matter.