It's Passion Week. This year, I'm going with Matthew. Again. Here's Hilarion Alfeyev's version (which I discovered a few years ago and have loved ever since).

Today, I'm going with the vocal setting of "O Domine Jesu Christe" from Francisco Guerrero's "Sacrae Cantiones."

Back to "O Domine Jesu Christe;" this time, an entirely instrumental setting from the "Sacrae Cantiones" of Francisco Guerrero.

One last "Thief," and this one just might be my favorite yet. I'm not quite sure who it is, because my Russian's not great/non-existent. But I think it's Alexander Taneyev's "The Prudent Thief" for mixed choir (in the arrangement of Archpriest George Rubanovich). Amazing stuff, no matter who wrote or arranged it.

I worship you, who was wounded on the cross, and given gall and vinegar to drink.

Lord Jesus Christ,
I worship you, who was wounded on the cross
and given gall and vinegar to drink:
I pray that your wounds
may be a remedy for my soul.

He was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate:
He suffered and was buried.

One last "Stabat Mater," this time from a great (contemporary) favorite of mine, Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev. Very clearly Baroque influenced (and also a bit Hunt for Red October-y.)

I'm using Girolamo Abos' setting of "Stabat Mater" today because it's not quite as sober as some of the others, and today is Sunday, after all.

Until I started poking around a few days ago, I didn't even know that Domenico Scarlatti had written a "Stabat Mater." But he had, and it's lovely.

Once again, "The Wise Thief," performed this time by the almost-impossibly low voices of the Men's Choir of the Valaam Singing Culture Institute.

Following up on the thread begun yesterday, here's a complete "Stabat Mater," this time from Antonio Caldara.

Is there one who would not weep, 
Whelm'd in miseries so deep
Christ's dear Mother to behold?

That day will be one of weeping
on which shall rise again from the embers
the guilty man, to be judged.
Therefore spare him, O God.