Performance

Antonín Dvořák

STABAT MATER

concert

March 29, 2024 | 8:00 PM

 

The oratorio Stabat Mater op. 58 by Antonín Dvořák is a composition for four voices, choir, and orchestra set to the medieval text by Jacopone da Todi, depicting the poignant scene of the Mother mourning the death of her crucified Son.

 

It was believed that Dvořák began composing the Stabat Mater in February 1876, shortly after the death of his two-day-old daughter Josefa in August 1875, but recent research indicates that the sketch was created between February and May 1876 and was dedicated to František Hušpauer "in memory of a childhood friend." The final version of the score was completed in November 1877, when a few months earlier tragedy struck the composer again with the deaths of two more of his children. The work was premiered in Prague in 1881 and is considered the most artistically mature, best-known, and most frequently performed sacred work by the Czech composer. This composition is particularly esteemed for its beauty, deliberately drawing from the combination of human voices and rich orchestral color. The entire structure of the piece, divided into ten parts, constitutes a majestic, expressive fusion, ranging from images of death and suffering, feelings of unrest and painful meditation, to the ultimate affirming catharsis of life.

 

Despite the personal tragedy experienced by the composer, he does not allow despair to overwhelm him; there is no resignation or hopelessness in his music. In this masterpiece by Dvořák, we look through the veil of tears and see faith in life.

 

In this beautiful musical journey, we will take you on a unique journey, just before Easter. We invite you.

Patronage of Archbishop Grzegorz Ryś