Composer

:

Karol Szymanowski

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

1925 - 1926

Average_duration

:

25:01

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Karol Szymanowski's 'Stabat Mater, Op. 53' is a choral work that was composed in 1925. It premiered in Warsaw on March 22, 1929, with the composer conducting. The piece is divided into ten movements and is approximately 35 minutes in length. The 'Stabat Mater' is a religious work that sets the text of the 13th-century hymn of the same name. The hymn describes the sorrow of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she stands at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion. Szymanowski's setting of the text is deeply emotional and expressive, with lush harmonies and soaring melodies. The first movement, 'Stabat Mater dolorosa,' sets the scene with a mournful melody in the choir. The second movement, 'Cujus animam gementem,' features a solo soprano singing a plaintive melody over a shimmering choir. The third movement, 'O quam tristis et afflicta,' is a duet for soprano and alto, with the two voices intertwining in a haunting melody. The fourth movement, 'Quae moerebat et dolebat,' is a solo for alto, with the choir providing a mournful accompaniment. The fifth movement, 'Quis est homo qui non fleret,' is a duet for tenor and bass, with the two voices singing a sorrowful melody together. The sixth movement, 'Vidit suum dulcem natum,' is a solo for soprano, with the choir providing a gentle accompaniment. The seventh movement, 'Eja Mater, fons amoris,' is a lively and rhythmic choral piece, with the choir singing in unison. The eighth movement, 'Fac ut ardeat cor meum,' is a solo for tenor, with the choir providing a pulsing accompaniment. The ninth movement, 'Sancta Mater, istud agas,' is a duet for soprano and alto, with the two voices singing a gentle and peaceful melody together. The final movement, 'Fac me vere tecum flere,' is a solo for bass, with the choir providing a solemn accompaniment. The piece ends with a quiet and peaceful resolution, as the choir sings the final lines of the hymn. Overall, Szymanowski's 'Stabat Mater, Op. 53' is a deeply emotional and expressive work that captures the sorrow and grief of Mary at the crucifixion of her son. The lush harmonies and soaring melodies create a powerful and moving musical experience.

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