Hilarion Alfeyev: St Matthew Passion. No. 38-40

The Holy Virgin's lament (aria for soprano) is performed by Olga Schalaewa with orchestra conducted by Vladimir fedosseyev. The chorus 'Weep not for Me, O Mother' follows the aria. The words in the aria are: 'My Son and my God, my Life and my Hope died on the Cross; my Joy and my Light descended to the tomb. My Son and my Lord, the Light of my eyes, my sweetest Jesus, my Joy and my Springtime, my Sun set beneath the earth.' The choir then responds: 'Weep not for Me, O Mother, beholding in the sepulchre the Son whom thou hast conceived without seed in thy womb. For I shall rise and shall be glorified, and as God I shall exalt in everlasting glory those who magnify thee with faith and love.'