Composer

:

Krzysztof Penderecki

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1962

Average_duration

:

7:48

Krzysztof Penderecki's 'Stabat Mater' is a choral work that was composed in 1962. It premiered on October 4, 1962, in the Basilica of St. Mary in Krakow, Poland. The piece is divided into eight 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 piece with its mournful and somber melody. The second movement, 'Quis est homo,' features a solo soprano singing a haunting melody that is later joined by the choir. The third movement, 'Eia, Mater,' is a prayer to Mary, asking for her intercession. The fourth movement, 'Tui Nati vulnerati,' is a lament for the wounds of Christ. The fifth movement, 'Fac me vere tecum flere,' is a plea to Mary to allow the singer to share in her grief. The sixth movement, 'Virgo virginum praeclara,' is a tribute to Mary as the most beautiful of all virgins. The seventh movement, 'Fac ut portem Christi mortem,' is a prayer for the strength to bear the death of Christ. The final movement, 'Inflammatus et accensus,' is a triumphant declaration of faith in the resurrection of Christ. The 'Stabat Mater' is characterized by its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, which create a sense of tension and unease. Penderecki also employs a variety of vocal techniques, including sprechgesang (a style of singing that is halfway between speaking and singing) and aleatoric (chance) elements, which give the piece a sense of unpredictability. Overall, the 'Stabat Mater' is a powerful and emotional work that captures the essence of the sorrow and hope of the Christian faith. Its premiere in 1962 marked a turning point in Penderecki's career, as he began to move away from the avant-garde style of his earlier works and towards a more traditional, tonal style.

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