This powerful anthem is indescribably beautiful. The unusual title is taken from the famous masterpiece of artist Michelangelo. His sculpture shows Mary holding the slain Jesus in her arms. Three scenes from Mary's life carry us through a mother's sorrow and give us a moving portrait of grace. This is ideal for Christmas candlelight observances, Marian festivals, or during Holy week. Anytime our thoughts take us beyond the manger to the cross, “Pietà” will be an unforgettable moment.
Pieta
Updated
Anthem Information
Composer
Publisher
Voicing
Year Published
Ordering Information
Catalog No.
#A7914
Editor review
1 review
Powerful imagery
Overall rating
4.0
Choral Integrity
4.0
Textual Quality
4.0
Teachability
4.0
Audience Response
4.0
Students resonate powerfully with this anthem, and they quickly can dial into its emotion and pathos. Choral lines are simple and flowing. The conductor has opportunity to provide the students with insights and musical instructions to give increased color and nuance to this well-written anthem. It has often been a favorite among students, probably because it is a good vehicle for conveying powerful emotions which often visit the hearts of adolescents.
The Bottom Line
Pros
Simple yet powerful imagery
Cons
None noted
RE
User reviews
2 reviews
Pieta
Overall rating
4.5
Choral Integrity
4.0
Textual Quality
5.0
Teachability
4.0
Audience Response
5.0
My students loved singing this piece and it allowed them to open up and talk about the profundity of the text. They were able to relate to the imagery used and the discussion about the text was a spiritually significant moment in our rehearsals last year. The orchestration adds a lot of beauty, but it still works with just piano.
The Bottom Line
Pros
Beautiful melody/harmony
CK
Clinton Kimmel
Pieta
Overall rating
4.5
Choral Integrity
4.0
Textual Quality
5.0
Teachability
4.0
Audience Response
5.0
This piece is not terribly difficult, but it is absolutely beautiful. Our youth choir sang it one December, and it was the most unique and inspiring moment in our advent schedule. The journey from manger to cross is illustrated wonderfully from Mary's eyes. Hearing it seven months later in the National Cathedral, sung by that huge youth choir, made it even more awe-inspiring.
The Bottom Line
Pros
Text Painting
Cons
Length
SA
Stephen Aber
