Stabat Mater

Following his death, Pergolesi’s last larger composition, the “Stabat Mater” of 1736, immediately became one of the most popular sacred works of the late baroque-early classical era. Numerous publications made this icon of Italian sacred music known throughout Europe. It was arranged by, among others, J.S. Bach (“Tilge, Höchster, meine Sünden”, BWV 1083, Carus 35.302/00, Carus 35.302/50), J. A. Hiller and Abbé Vogler. The most popular arrangement was the one made around 1800 for the Vienna Court Kapelle, in which Antonio Salieri, Franz Xaver Süßmayr and I.X. Ritter von Seyfried added woodwind instruments and obligato trombones to the string accompaniment. In addition the 2-part texture of the upper voices in the original was arranged for 4 parts with obligato soli. It was only in this opulent, sonorous version, which Otto Nicolai and three composer colleagues offered to 19th century Viennese music lovers. The piece is of medium difficulty. In the Viennese version it is a rarity that offers an enrichment to the repertoire for choirs wishing to discover something new.