Description
Cecilia McDowall’s Stabat Mater for solo Baritone, SATB chorus, children’s choir (or semi-chorus) and small Orchestra or Piano/Organ accompaniment.
McDowall’s setting of the Stabat Mater has been described as ‘an outstanding work of great solemnity and poignancy’ (Tempo, 2013).
The work comprises of seven movements in a symmetrical structure – from the impassioned Choral opening, through two intense yet diverse Baritone solos and contemplative plainchant chorales, to the stately finale uniting all the Voices. The optimistic central movement, in a major tonality, may be performed by children’s choir or a semi-chorus of sopranos and altos from the main group.
A plaintive meditation on the sorrows of the Virgin Mary as she stands by the Cross, McDowall’s Stabat Mater is a sophisticated modern alternative to more well-known settings, ideal for performance at non-liturgical Lenten services.
Orchestration: Flute, Clarinet, 2 x Horn, Harp, Strings!!
Contents:
- Stabat Mater