Jean Ashworth Bartle

Stabat Mater (Excerpts)

The Stabat Mater is considered to be of 13th century Franciscan origin. In the 15th century it was used as a sequence in connection with the new mass of the compassion of the Virgin Mary and became an official part of the Roman liturgy in 1727. Picturing the darkest hour in the passion story, the poet poignantlydescribes Mary, the mother of Christ, broken by suffering, weepingat the foot of the cross. The setting by Pergolesi, composed in Naples, Italy shortly before hisdeath from tuberculosis at the young age of 26 is recognized as amasterpiece. Pergolesi has cleverly combined 2 styles: the learnedcounterpoint of the style Antico and the new decorative languageof the Neopolitan opera. Composer/critic Jean-Jacques Rousseau calledthe opening movement 'the most perfect and touching duet to come from the pen of any composer'. The final amen can be heard at the end of the movie Amadeus. Mozart greatly admired the music of Pergolesi. The complete work was first published in London in 1749. The excerptsthat were chosen for this edition work extraordinarily well withyoung treble voice choir. Included In Collection:1. Stabat Mater Dolorosa- Mvt 1. 2. Quae Moerebat Et Dolebat- Mvt 4. 3. Fac, Ut Ardeat Cor Meum- Mvt 8. 4. Inflammatus Et Accensus- Mvt11. 5. Quando Corpus- Mvt12. (Includes Mvnt 'Amen')