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Antonín Dvořák's Stabat Mater, Op. 58, is a composition for four voices, choir, and orchestra set to the words of the medieval text authored 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. However, recent research suggests that the sketch was made 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 tragedy struck the composer again, and two more of his children passed away. The piece premiered in Prague in 1881 and is considered the most artistically mature, well-known, and 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 work, divided into ten parts, constitutes a majestic, expressive fusion, ranging from images of death and suffering, feelings of unrest and painful meditation, to ultimate, life-affirming catharsis.

 

Despite the personal tragedy experienced by the composer, despair does not overshadow 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 special occasion, just before Easter. We invite you.

 

Under the patronage of Archbishop Grzegorz Ryś.