description Stabat Mater (MacMillan) Overview
James MacMillan's Stabat Mater is a large-scale sacred work completed in 2016, setting the medieval Latin poem about Mary grieving at the crucifixion of Jesus. Written for mixed chorus and string orchestra, it was commissioned by the Genesis Foundation for The Sixteen and its conductor Harry Christophers, rather than by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Its four connected sections combine intense choral declamation, intricate counterpoint, and extended orchestral writing.
help Stabat Mater (MacMillan) FAQ
When was James MacMillan's 'Stabat Mater' completed?
The Scottish composer completed his large-scale Stabat Mater in 2016. It was highly anticipated and premiered by the renowned vocal ensemble The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers.
Who commissioned James MacMillan's 'Stabat Mater'?
The work was commissioned by the Genesis Foundation, an organization that frequently funds the creation of new sacred choral music. It was written specifically for The Sixteen and the Britten Sinfonia orchestra.
What instruments score MacMillan's 'Stabat Mater'?
Unlike massive oratorio settings, MacMillan scored his Stabat Mater for mixed chorus and a string orchestra. This instrumentation provides a deeply resonant, sorrowful foundation that mirrors the weeping, lamenting nature of the medieval Latin text.
How does MacMillan's setting of the 'Stabat Mater' differ from others?
MacMillan infuses the traditional Latin poem with his distinct, modern harmonic language, heavily featuring dissonant, anguished chords that resolve into moments of profound tranquility. His version highlights the raw human suffering of Mary, making it one of the most visceral contemporary choral works.
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