Stabat Mater

Use: Lent, Stations
Required Resources: SATB choir, solo, cello (or organ pedal)
Language: Latin

Stabat mater dolorosa is the official Divine Office hymn for the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15). It is often sung at Stations of the Cross, particularly in its English translation, "At the Cross Her Station Keeping."

Jonathan Kregor has set the first ten stanzas of this hymn for SATB choir, soloist and cello (or organ pedal). The music is based on a ground: a bass passage descending through the f minor scale. Above this, the choir and soloist sing the verses, some separately, some together. The texture varies: solo over ground, two or three chior voices, full choir, or SATB plus solo. The work ends as it begins, with unison choir over the bass pattern.

A useful addition to the Lenten repertoire particularly on Palm Sunday or Good Friday, Stabat mater can also be used for Stations of the Cross or during a mid-week Lenten service.