Composer

:

Virgil Thomson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1931 - 1960

Average_duration

:

6:01

Virgil Thomson's 'Stabat Mater' is a choral work that was composed in 1931. It premiered on March 10, 1932, at the Coolidge Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The piece is divided into ten movements and is approximately 25 minutes in length. The 'Stabat Mater' is a musical setting of a 13th-century Latin hymn that describes the sorrow of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she stands at the foot of the cross. Thomson's composition is a modern interpretation of this ancient text, and it reflects his unique style and approach to music. The first movement, 'Stabat Mater dolorosa,' sets the tone for the entire piece. It is a mournful and somber introduction that establishes the theme of Mary's grief. The second movement, 'Cujus animam gementem,' is a solo for alto that expresses Mary's anguish as she watches her son suffer. The third movement, 'O quam tristis et afflicta,' is a choral lament that emphasizes the depth of Mary's sorrow. The fourth movement, 'Quae moerebat et dolebat,' is a duet for soprano and tenor that expresses Mary's pain and suffering. The fifth movement, 'Quis est homo qui non fleret,' is a choral reflection on the universal nature of grief and the human experience of loss. The sixth movement, 'Vidit suum dulcem natum,' is a solo for soprano that expresses Mary's love for her son. The seventh movement, 'Eia, Mater, fons amoris,' is a choral prayer that asks Mary to intercede on behalf of humanity. The eighth movement, 'Fac ut ardeat cor meum,' is a solo for tenor that expresses the desire for spiritual renewal and transformation. The ninth movement, 'Sancta Mater, istud agas,' is a choral plea for Mary's help and guidance. The final movement, 'Fac me vere tecum flere,' is a choral prayer that asks to share in Mary's grief and to be united with her in love and compassion. Overall, Thomson's 'Stabat Mater' is a powerful and moving work that reflects his unique style and approach to music. It is a modern interpretation of an ancient text that speaks to the universal human experience of grief and loss.

More....