Richard Wagner's edition of the Stabat mater by Palestrina calls for a special attention among the 19th century transcriptions and practice editions of the work, since Franz Liszt declared it to be a masterpiece to be followed by others throughout his life, albeit he knew and appreciated editions with historical aspect, too. Wagner prepared his version of Palestrina's composition in 1848 for his historical concert in Dresden, and it was published on the recommendation of Liszt in 1878 by Christian Friedrich Kahnt. The study summarizes the documents of the genesis of Wagner's work with the background of Palestrina's Stabat mater editions before 1878, and tries to preveal Wagner's concept and musical decisions in the light of the performing practice of the Cappella Sistina of the time, as well as following the main aspects in the review by Franz Xaver Witt published in 1878.