Stabat Mater

Arvo Prts music is deeply rooted in his profound faith and aims to touch the soul. For the past forty years, Prt’s compositions have shown and spoken the influence of multiple layers and global influences – the music of the Orthodox Church, bells, Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, a compositional technique he developed called “tintinnabuli”, and silence.This recording offers a unique cross-section of Prt’s choral works, revealing the heart, soul and mind of a true master of his language in both text and music.

The expressive beauty and clarity of his music shines through the joyful setting and dance-like rhythms of “Peace Upon You Jerusalem” and the glorious setting of Marys words in the “Magnificat.” His masterful setting of “Labb Agathon” sets the scene of this ancient 4th century story of the chance (or was it?) meeting of the hermit Agathon and a leper. After several testings of the hermits patience and his generosity, the leper reveals himself to be an angel, and blesses the hermit Agathon and goes on his way. The final work is one of Arvo Prts largest choral works”Stabat Mater,” written to express the passion, agony and love of Mary at the foot of the cross of her son. Each stanza is set in a contrasting style with instrumental interludes that weaves a texture expressing the text and Marys desire to stand with her son through his passion at the cross.

Modest about his achievements yet authentically convinced about the role of his music in today’s world, Arvo Prt (b. 1935) is today’s most performed “classical” composer. Glori Dei Cantores, under the direction of Richard K. Pugsley, is dedicated to promoting the best of sacred choral music. Several years ago, the choir began an in-depth study of Arvo Prt, immersing themselves in his compositional style. They sang his music in worship, on tour and in an extensive concert series at the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, MA.

Hybrid SACD
MCH 5.0 DSD
Stereo DSD
Standard RedBook CD