Composer

:

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

10:08

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina's 'Stabat mater' is a sacred choral work that was composed in the late 16th century. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written sometime between 1570 and 1580. The piece is a setting of the Latin hymn 'Stabat mater dolorosa', which is a meditation on the suffering of Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the foot of the cross. The 'Stabat mater' is divided into ten movements, each of which is based on a different stanza of the hymn. The first movement begins with a simple, unaccompanied melody sung by the choir, which is then repeated in four-part harmony. The subsequent movements feature increasingly complex polyphony, with multiple voices weaving in and out of each other to create a rich, layered texture. One of the most striking characteristics of Palestrina's 'Stabat mater' is its use of dissonance. Unlike many other composers of his time, Palestrina was not afraid to use dissonant harmonies to create tension and drama in his music. This is particularly evident in the seventh movement, which features a series of descending chromatic lines that create a sense of unease and sorrow. Despite its somber subject matter, the 'Stabat mater' is a beautiful and uplifting work that showcases Palestrina's mastery of choral composition. Its intricate harmonies and soaring melodies have made it a beloved piece of sacred music for centuries, and it continues to be performed and recorded by choirs around the world. The premiere of the 'Stabat mater' is not recorded, but it is likely that it was first performed in a church or cathedral in Rome, where Palestrina spent much of his career as a composer and musician.

More....