I can hardly find any more inspiriting and mind-blowing music than sacral. That’s like Scottish Highlands in early morning mist. The kind of experience that keeps you shut up for the rest of the day.
One of my latest discoveries I wish to share with you is Eia Mater, the seventh movement from Antonio Vivaldi’s Stabat Mater In F Minor. Stabat Mater is a Latin, thirteenth century hymn dedicated to Mary’s suffering during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
This composition just strikes with simplicity. Dramatic, minimalistic and unbelievably powerful. The first thing that came to my mind after listening to Eia Mater, what happened utterly by accident, was that there is nothing more I shall ever hear. That if I got deaf, there wouldn’t be much to regret.
The impression was of course temporary, but this piece absolutely changed my understanding of music.
Performed with amazing passion by Sara Mingardo (especially the bar #313, words “Fac, ut…”). Conducted by Rinaldo Alessandrini.
The text of Stabat Mater can be found at ChoralWiki