Stabat Mater Dolorosa - from Stabat Mater for Low Flute Choir

This is an effective arrangement of the first movement of Pergolesi's powerful choral work, for a low flute ensemble comprising 4 alto flutes, 3 bass flutes and contabass.   The arrangement  makes a prominent feature of octave doublings, which add resonance to the ensemble sound and gives a wonderful sense of depth (and excellent practice for developing intonation control).  The first alto part goes enjoyably high, allowing the ensemble's  full range to be used, and the richer lower tones are able to provide an element of dissonence.  The technical challenges of this arrangement are relatively modest, leaving space for an ensemble to concentrate on resonance, depth of tone, intonation and the shaping of a melodic line.  Recommended.