No more poignant image than that of the weeping Mother of God with her Son on the cross. The medieval poem Stabat Mater captured the heartbreaking scene for eternity and propelled artists to their best, most sensitive and lived art.
Together with B’Rock, you will dive into the formidable Stabat Mater repertoire, four masterpieces of which find their place on the music stand. Highlights from four centuries of music and equally many expressions of the same sorrow. From the serene polyphony of Orlando Lassus to the expressive screams of pain in the music of Lera Auerbach. Not only the theme connects the four works, but musically they are also closer than you might suspect. In his intense Third String Quartet, master of polystylism Alfred Schnittke tackles themes from Lassus’ Stabat Mater. You hear the familiar work, but in a fascinating version in which he skilfully and determinedly throws classical principles such as balance and unity of style overboard.
On the other hand, Sogno di Stabat Mater is Lera Auerbach’s reworking of the Stabat Mater by Pergolesi. “How do you translate a religious, vocal composition into an abstract, instrumental work?”, she wondered. A modern concerto grosso for violin, viola and chamber orchestra is the answer. Finally, B’Rock also presents the world famous Stabat Mater by Pergolesi – perhaps the mother of all Stabat Maters – in its original, indestructible form.
In Sogno di Stabat Mater by Auerbach, viola player Raquel Massadas and vibraphonist Koen Plaetinck play prominent roles. These established names of the orchestra draw on their vast experience and talent in the challenging solo parts. In the Stabat Mater by Pergolesi, Anna Devin and Christopher Lowrey prove why they are considered two of the most promising Baroque singers of the moment. And young, exceptionally gifted violinist Evgeny Sviridov will once again take up his role as concertmaster, guiding you through four unique sound worlds.
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This production was realized with the support of the Tax Shelter measure of the Belgian Federal Government through Flanders Tax Shelter
