Many hold that the composition/arrangement by Pergolesi is the most beautiful and emotive of all.
The first verse roughly translates as "The sorrowful Mother stood, crying, by the cross from which her son was hanging"
Stabat mater dolorosa
Giovanni Battista Pergolesi Lyrics
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Juxta Crucem lacrimosa,
Dum pendebat Filius.
Stabat mater dolorosa
Juxta Crucem lacrimosa,
Dum pendebat Filius.
Lacrimosa,
Dum pendebat Filius.
The above lyrics are from the opening lines of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's song Stabat mater dolorosa, which is a hymn of mourning for the Virgin Mary during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Latin phrase "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" translates to "The sorrowful mother was standing," which describes the scene of Mary standing at the foot of the cross, weeping for her son. The repetition of "Juxta Crucem lacrimosa" emphasizes the depth of Mary's grief, as she stands next to the cross in tears, watching her son suffer.
The phrase "Dum pendebat Filius" refers to Jesus hanging on the cross, emphasizing the physical and emotional pain that he endured. The use of repetition in the chorus, with "Dolorosa" and "Lacrimosa" accentuates the sorrow and lamentation of Mary, as she mourns her son's death.
Overall, Pergolesi's Stabat mater dolorosa expresses the overwhelming grief and anguish of Mary during Jesus' crucifixion, as well as her deep love and devotion for her son.
Line by Line Meaning
Stabat mater dolorosa
The sorrowful mother stood
Juxta Crucem lacrimosa
Weeping next to the cross
Dum pendebat Filius
As her Son hung
Dolorosa
Full of sorrow
Lacrimosa
Tearful
Dum pendebat Filius
As her Son hung
Writer(s): Giovanni Battista Pergolesi
Contributed by Annabelle J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.