Dvořák wrote one of his most beautiful creations at a time of great personal grief. Yet, his Stabat Mater embodies the journey out of mourning toward hopefulness and the promise of Paradise. Rife with symbolism, the music vividly represents each moment of the Crucifixion, from Mary’s tears and Jesus’ march toward the cross to the comforting voices of angels. This rarely performed and deeply moving work is simply exquisite—a “must-hear” of the 2016 season.