Rare performance of John Browne’s motet Stabat mater from the historic Eton Choirbook (c 1490-1502).
John Browne was an outstanding composer of the period. His six-part Stabat mater was written not long before Henry VIII came to the throne and is one of Browne’s finest and most expressive works.
It is composed in a florid style and offers a glorious example of the final flowering of English polyphonic music that was swept away by the Reformation.
The forthcoming performance, at Evensong on March 19 at 5:30pm, was recently profiled on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune.
Geraint Bowen, the cathedral’s director of music, said: “It will be a rare opportunity to hear this dramatic and sumptuous late-fifteenth century work of unaccompanied polyphonic music.
“It’s great to be able to put the piece in context for the choristers by telling them that the piece was composed around the same time as the cloisters were built here, in which we have the song school. It is a wonderful experience for them.”
The choir’s performance of Stabat mater is one among a number of special musical events in the next few months, along with a performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion, to take place on April 19 at 7.00 pm, and an orchestral Eucharist using Haydn’s Harmoniemesse (Sunday 8 May at 10.30 am).
Evensong continues to be sung daily by the cathedral choir at 5.30 pm during term time (with the exception of Wednesdays) and at 3.30 pm on Sundays.
For further information about special services, the St Matthew Passion concert and opportunities for joining the choir, please contact in the first instance the Perpetual Trust office (01432 374261) or visit www.herefordcathedral.org