Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1847

Publication Date

:

1970

Average_duration

:

5:33

Franz Liszt's 'Stabat Mater, S. 172b' is a choral work that was composed in 1875. The piece was premiered in Rome in the same year, with Liszt himself conducting the performance. The work is divided into ten movements and is based on the medieval Latin hymn 'Stabat Mater Dolorosa', which describes the sorrow of Mary as she stands at the foot of the cross of her son, Jesus. The first movement, 'Stabat Mater Dolorosa', sets the tone for the entire work with its mournful and somber melody. The second movement, 'Cujus Animam Gementem', features a solo tenor singing a lament for the suffering of Christ. The third movement, 'O Quam Tristis', is a duet for soprano and alto that expresses the sadness of Mary as she watches her son die. The fourth movement, 'Quae Moerebat', is a solo for alto that describes the pain of Mary as she witnesses the crucifixion. The fifth movement, 'Quis Est Homo', is a duet for tenor and bass that asks the question of who is responsible for the death of Christ. The sixth movement, 'Vidit Suum Dulcem Natum', is a solo for soprano that describes the agony of Mary as she sees her beloved son die. The seventh movement, 'Eia Mater', is a chorus that implores Mary to intercede on behalf of sinners. The eighth movement, 'Sancta Mater', is a solo for bass that praises Mary as the mother of Christ. The ninth movement, 'Fac Ut Ardeat', is a duet for soprano and tenor that asks for the fire of love to burn within the hearts of believers. The final movement, 'Amen', is a chorus that concludes the work with a prayer for mercy and forgiveness. The 'Stabat Mater, S. 172b' is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and dramatic contrasts. Liszt's skillful use of choral and solo voices creates a powerful emotional impact that captures the essence of the hymn's message. The work is a testament to Liszt's mastery of the choral form and his ability to convey deep spiritual themes through music.

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