The Octagon Chapel, Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BN

Boccherini’s Stabat Mater is a work of compelling intensity that stands out among the many settings of this text. We are performing the original, chamber version of the piece, scored for string quintet with two cellos; interspersed will be movements from Haydn’s The Seven Last Words. As well as shared themes there is a historical connection here: it is possible that Boccherini, a great admirer of his older colleague, played a part in securing the commission for Haydn to write The Seven Last Words, first performed in Cadiz. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Boccherini’s Stabat Mater.

The music

Luigi Boccherini (1743–1805): Stabat Mater

Joseph Haydn (1732–1809): The Seven Last Words of our Saviour on the Cross

Johann Fischer (1646–1716): Sonata, ‘Hertzlich tut mich verlangen’

The musicians

(Rachel Elliott soprano, Nicolette Moonen violin, Oliver Webber violin, Anne Schumann viola, Kinga Gáborjáni cello, George Ross cello)