ELECTRIO’s ‘Stabat Mater’: Old Text, New Sound
How do you mix a centuries-old sacred text with today’s music? ELECTRIO’s answer is their project, ‘Stabat Mater,’ a fresh take on the profound theme of Mary’s sorrow at the crucifixion.
Instead of a traditional performance of the medieval hymn, soprano Sandra Lind Þorsteinsdóttir, guitarist Francesco Rista, and electroacoustic composer Simone Giordano blend voice, guitar, and electronics to create a unique sound. Inspired by Marco Rosano’s ‘Stabat Mater,’ the trio mixes pieces of Baroque works by John Dowland and Claudio Monteverdi, putting them into a modern soundscape where old-world purity meets contemporary disruption.
The electronics are key, moving beyond simple background atmosphere. Giordano’s sounds range from soft textures to harsh noises, stitching the whole performance together. Against this, Þorsteinsdóttir’s clear soprano voice is a beacon, while Rista’s guitar offers warmth and keeps the music grounded.
There’s also a deeper message: ELECTRIO connects the suffering of the Holy Mother to the vulnerable state of Mother Earth. The classic prayer becomes a reflection on our planet’s fragility. By reinterpreting music from over 400 years ago, the trio makes a universal, timeless plea that goes beyond its religious origins and speaks directly to today.
ELECTRIO first performed Stabat Mater in Reykjavík in 2022 and have since toured Denmark and Iceland. Their innovative work earned them the Klima Klang Festival Award in 2023.
Blurring the lines between classical tradition and experimental sound art, ELECTRIO’s ‘Stabat Mater’ is a powerful reflection on life, death, and how music connects the past and the future.
Headline photo: Victoria S. Elmas
ELECTRIO Facebook / Instagram
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