Composed in 1736, shortly before Pergolesi’s untimely death at the age of 26, this musical setting of the medieval Latin hymn reflects on the sorrow of the Virgin Mary as she stands at the foot of the cross during the Crucifixion of Jesus. The title, Stabat Mater, comes from the opening line of the text, which translates to “The sorrowful mother stood.”

The vocal melodies are lyrical and direct, often tinged with chromaticism to heighten the sense of mourning, while the interplay between the two voices in the duets—such as the famous “Stabat Mater Dolorosa” and “Quando corpus morietur”—creates a dialogue-like intimacy, drawing the listener into the Virgin Mary’s sorrow at the foot of the cross with consummate elegance, intricate dissonances, and a poised equilibrium of anguish and grace.

Amelia Spierer, soprano

Kaisa Herrmann, mezzo-soprano

Jesse Gomez, violin

Nancy Maio, violin

Melissa Hardtke, viola

Michele Venturella, cello

Benjamin Holt, bass

Kevin Burrow, organ