Among all Stabat Maters set to music over the centuries, this one by Dvořák holds a special place as the most symphonic. Based on a Latin poem that meditates on the Virgin Mary’s grief at the death of her son, Jesus, Dvorák wrote the piece six months after losing his own son.
Dvořák had a close and productive relationship both with God and England. His Stabat Mater premiered in Prague on December 23rd, 1880 and soon after in England. He went on to compose several significant works for English ensembles, such as the 7th Symphony for the Philharmonic Society (1885), St Ludmilla for Leeds (1886), Requiem Mass for Birmingham (1890). Faith in God was for Dvorák the cornerstone on which he built his own life and work. His son, Otakar noted that this father’s “God was not the God of Vengeance but the Creator, who sanctifies the journey through the ‘valley of death’ through his infinite love.” And this is fully reflected in this heart-tuggingly powerful music.
Dvořák‘s Romance for Violin and Orchestra is a rich and rewarding single-movement work, which was premiered in 1877, three years before his Stabat Mater. It will be performed in this concert by the violinist, Chrisian Halstead.
