Julia Schwartz

Stabat Mater

The heavily symbolic language of the hymn Stabat mater, which probably dates back to the 13th century, describes Mary’s suffering at her son’s crucifixion. The text has inspired composers throughout the ages. The scoring of this setting by Julia Schwartz already gives an indication of her musical approach. Soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto and baritone are accompanied by an organ part that is frequently restricted to resting notes and motivic interjections. Short and slowly evolving melodic lines on the organ form a dialog with the choir. Unostentatious and largely homophonic, the choral writing is both transparent and emotionally powerful. Two voice groups are coupled in the short polyphonic sections to form a kind of colloquy. The music gains in intensity, increasingly disturbing the initially rather meditative and restrained atmosphere. The organ accompaniment also becomes denser, supporting the choral dynamics to slowly reveal Mary’s unfathomable pain.

> Transparent and moving setting of Stabat Mater
> Unusual choral scoring (SMsABar)
> Attractive and easy to read
> Sensitive and effective organ accompaniment