The voices of the Abendmusik Chorus, Doane College Choir, Nebraska Wesleyan University Chorus, soloists Kendall Reimer, Rebecca Shane, Drew Duncan, and Jeff Keele, all accompanied by the Abendmusik Symphony Orchestra, join in this presentation of Dvorak's monumental setting of Stabat Mater.
The text of the Stabat Mater, a 13th century meditative poem reflecting on the suffering of Mary, mother of Jesus, at the foot of the Cross, has been set to music over 400 times although Dvorak's setting is the most extensive exposition. Dvorak, intensely Roman Catholic, was moved to composition following the death of his first three children at early ages.
Fac ut portem Christi mortem
Passionis ejus sortem
Et plagas recolere.
Fac me plagis vulnerari
Cruce hac inebriari
Ob amorem Filii.
Let me carry Christ's death,
the destiny of his passion,
and meditate upon his wounds.
Let me suffer the wounds
of that cross, steeped
in love of your Son.