Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1965

Average_duration

:

51:37

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Herbert Howells' Stabat Mater is a choral work that was composed in 1963. It was premiered on 10th July 1964 at the Three Choirs Festival in Worcester, England. The piece is divided into nine movements and is approximately 25 minutes in length. The Stabat Mater is a hymn that is sung during the liturgical season of Lent. It is a meditation on the suffering of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she stood at the foot of the cross. Howells' setting of the Stabat Mater is a deeply emotional and expressive work that captures the sorrow and grief of Mary. The first movement, "Stabat Mater dolorosa," sets the tone for the entire piece with its mournful melody and somber harmonies. The second movement, "Cuius animam gementem," is a solo for alto that is accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful choral background. The third movement, "O quam tristis et afflicta," is a duet for soprano and tenor that is filled with longing and despair. The fourth movement, "Quae moerebat et dolebat," is a solo for bass that is accompanied by a gentle choral background. The fifth movement, "Quis est homo qui non fleret," is a choral lament that is filled with sorrow and grief. The sixth movement, "Eia, Mater, fons amoris," is a solo for soprano that is accompanied by a joyful choral background. The seventh movement, "Fac, ut ardeat cor meum," is a duet for alto and tenor that is filled with passion and intensity. The eighth movement, "Sancta Mater, istud agas," is a solo for bass that is accompanied by a gentle choral background. The final movement, "Fac me vere tecum flere," is a choral prayer that is filled with hope and longing. Overall, Howells' Stabat Mater is a deeply moving and emotional work that captures the essence of the Lenten season. Its beautiful melodies and harmonies, combined with its powerful text, make it a masterpiece of choral music.

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