Matthew Martin

Stabat Mater

This powerful work takes a well-known hymn tune from the Mainz Gesangbuch of 1661 (Stabat Mater) as its musical starting point, interweaving it through different textures and variations alongside the plainsong solemn tone Salve Regina . The work, which was written specially for The Sixteen, is through-composed but divided into 3 sections: Silence, Love; Grief, Patience; Passion, Destiny . Each section is made up of two verses of the Latin text and one new verse in English - a commentary and emotional response to the chosen Latin verses. The movements may be performed separately or together, allowing great flexibility in function within both Catholic and Anglican liturgies.