Most concertgoers have likely heard at least one piece of music associated with Giovanni Battista Pergolesi—though under the name of Igor Stravinsky! Born just three centuries ago, this Italian composer was one of the most astonishing geniuses in music history. He inspired ungrudging admiration from Bach and wordy appreciations from Rousseau, yet he remains a puzzle to this day. The Berlin Baroque Soloists will perform his legendary “Stabat Mater” in Lucerne’s Jesuit Church.

When Stravinsky composed his neoclassical ballet score “Pulcinella,” he based portions of this ingenious collage on “material from Pergolesi.” That, at least, was the impression held by the composer. Decades later, it was gradually revealed that Stravinsky’s ballet “after Pergolesi” also happened to draw on sources that had been attributed to Pergolesi—whether incorrectly or deliberately. The Italian composer was born three centuries ago, on January 4, 1710, not far from Ancona in central Italy, and he died of tuberculosis when he was only 26. His early death inspired a host of myths and legends of unprecedented proportions: A veritable Pergolesi cult resulted, and it triggered a boom in forgeries and false attributions. Thanks to diligent research and detective work, we now know that of the approximately 330 works “written by Pergolesi,” only a tenth actually came from his pen.

But one work that is demonstrably authentic and removed from doubt is the famous “Stabat mater.” It was probably his final composition, written as a commission by the fatally ill Pergolesi at the end of his tragically foreshortened life. This is sacred music that calls not for chorus and full orchestra but for a reduced ensemble of two soloists, strings, and organ instead—the ideal challenge for the Berlin Baroque Soloists, an ensemble that combines musicians from the Berlin Philharmonic with prominent artists from the early-music scene. For years they have been favorites of LUCERNE FESTIVAL audiences. With his “Stabat Mater,” Pergolesi may have foregone writing for full choir, but he was hardly frugal when it comes to the lofty artistry of Italian singing. His score includes arias and duets of moving, heartrending beauty. With soprano Genia Kühmeier and alto Bernarda Fink on hand to perform, the Pergolesi celebration on September 6 will be an event of exquisite vocalism. And genuine Pergolesi!