This 1880 setting of an ancient hymn about the Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross is a piece that played a crucial part in putting Dvořák’s career on the national stage, following performances by Janáček in 1882, and at the Royal Albert hall in 1883 and 1884.
Its origins lie in 1876 after the death of his daughter Josefa, who lived two days, and the sketches were solidified by the Winter of 1877.
It is in ten movements, and scored for double woodwind, brass, timpani, strings, choir and soloists. An outline description of the movements can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stabat_Mater_(Dvo%C5%99%C3%A1k)#Movements
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