The libretto and musical setting of "Stella Maris" were inspired by the stained-glass motif 'Notre-Dame de la Belle Verrière' in Chartres, which depicts both Mary as crowned Queen of Heaven and Sophia (Wisdom) enthroned.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The oratorio "Stella Maris" is conceived as a homage to the Gothic architecture of Chartres Cathedral, incorporating the themes of light and water found in the Marian concept of Stella Maris (Star of the Sea).
Recording & Production
During performances of "Stella Maris", artist Alexander Lauterwasser creates "water sound images" by making distilled water vibrate with the music, projecting the wave movements onto a screen.
Compositional Technique
The oratorio uses a specific tone sequence in its fourth chapter, corresponding to the 12 semitones of an octave and mirroring the path of the Chartres labyrinth, to audibly represent the arduous journey.
Performer Biography
Julia Jentsch, the reciter on this album, is an award-winning actress known for her role as Sophie Scholl in the film "Sophie Scholl - The Final Days," which was nominated for an Oscar in 2006.
Compositional Technique
The music of "Stella Maris" combines Gregorian elements with a more modern musical language, creating a polarity between old and new.
Composition History
Helge Burggrabe's oratorio "Stella Maris" was commissioned and premiered in 2006 for the 1000-year celebration of the Chartres Cathedral near Paris.
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