ARNESEN – VIRGO VIRGINUM SSA/PIANO

In Kim Andre Arnesen’s Stabat Mater, which uses the Stabat mater dolorosa text, the sixth movement Virgo virginum is musically one of the more hopeful movements. For a standalone version, the composer felt that a new text would be appropriate and was excited to find the mirror image text with the same structure, Stabat Mater speciosa. Here, Mother Mary is not in pain by the Cross, but in joy at the birth of her Son. Arnesen’s signature attractive melody floats over a flowing triple-time accompaniment, by itself initially, and the joined later by accompanying harmonies from the other upper voices. A pleasing, gentle piece suitable for Christmas time or general use.