MS Mus. 1801/4/9

For six solo voices (two sopranos, contralto, tenor, baritone and bass) and chamber orchestra. Latin text attributed to Jacopone da Todi (1236-1306).

• (1). ff. 1-17. Undated autograph vocal score, in blue ink and pencil, on oblong folios (approx. 220 x 305 mm) cut from larger paper. Title-page and pp. 1-32. Dedication ('To Benjamin Britten') and composer's signature on p. 1. Also signed in pencil on title-page. 2-bar pencil sketch on verso of title-page. Title-page stamped with Chester no. 26269.
• (2). ff. 18-49. Autograph full score, in blue ink and black ink, in paper covers stamped 'Chester Library'. Title-page and pp. 1-56 (24-stave paper, 370 x 270 mm). Title-page stamped with Chester no. 26269. Dedication ('To Benjamin Britten') and composer's signature on p. 1, and dated 'London, June-July 1947' at the end of the score. There is a 3-bar pasted-down correction to the violin parts on p. 21 (f. 31), and a loosely attached 3-bar full-score correction on p. 2 (f. 20), and a whole-page correction (black ink) to p. 39 (f. 40) also loosely attached.
• (3). ff. 50-58. Undated and untitled autograph full score extract, in black ink: [Part I, Stabat Mater dolorosa (Lento)]. Outer bifolium enclosing 5 ff. [pp. 1-9]. Two pasted-down corrections o(ff. 54-55).

First performance: Zurich, Tonhalle, 19 August 1947. Members of the Eglish Opera Group and instrumentalists, cond. Lennox Berkeley.

First British performance: London, Concert Hall (Broadcasting House), 27 September 1947. Members of the English Opera Group and Orchestra, cond. Benjamin Britten.

First British concert performance: Aldeburgh, Jubilee Hall, 22 June 1953. Members of the English Opera Group and Orchestra, cond. Benjamin Britten.