Composer

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Gregorian Chant

Genre

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Choral

Average_duration

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2:17

The Stabat Mater is a hymn in mode 2 (Liber Hymnarius 434) that is attributed to the Gregorian Chant. It is a hymn that is sung during the liturgical season of Lent, particularly on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The hymn is a meditation on the suffering of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she stood at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion of her son. The Stabat Mater is believed to have been composed in the 13th century, although its exact origins are unknown. It has been attributed to various authors over the years, including Jacopone da Todi, Pope Innocent III, and St. Bonaventure. However, the hymn is most commonly associated with the Franciscan order, and it is believed that it was composed by one of their members. The hymn is divided into 20 stanzas, each consisting of three lines. The first line of each stanza is repeated at the end, creating a rhyme scheme of AAB. The text of the hymn is written in Latin, and it is characterized by its simple and direct language. The hymn is also notable for its use of vivid imagery, which helps to convey the emotional intensity of Mary's grief. The Stabat Mater has been set to music by many composers over the years, including Palestrina, Vivaldi, and Rossini. The most famous setting of the hymn is probably the one by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, which was composed in the 18th century. Pergolesi's setting is notable for its use of solo voices and its expressive melodies, which capture the emotional depth of the text. Overall, the Stabat Mater is a powerful and moving hymn that has been a part of the Catholic liturgy for centuries. Its simple yet profound language and vivid imagery make it a timeless meditation on the suffering of Mary and the sacrifice of Jesus.

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