Composer

:

Gabriel Fauré

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Offertory

Compose Date

:

Mar 1, 1888

Publication Date

:

1888

Average_duration

:

2:38

Gabriel Fauré's "Maria Mater gratiae, Op. 47/2" is a choral work composed in 1890. It was premiered on May 24, 1891, at the Église de la Madeleine in Paris, France. The piece is part of a larger work called "Tantum ergo," which is a setting of the Latin hymn of the same name. "Maria Mater gratiae" is a four-movement piece that features a soprano soloist, mixed choir, and organ accompaniment. The first movement is a solo for the soprano, who sings a prayer to the Virgin Mary. The second movement is a choral setting of the same text, with the choir singing in unison. The third movement is a duet between the soprano and the choir, with the choir singing a repeated refrain while the soprano sings a more elaborate melody. The final movement is a choral setting of the refrain, with the choir singing in harmony. The piece is characterized by Fauré's use of lush harmonies and his skillful handling of the choral and solo voices. The soprano soloist is given a prominent role, with a soaring melody that showcases the singer's range and expressiveness. The choir is used to provide a rich harmonic backdrop, with Fauré's trademark use of subtle shifts in tonality and texture. Overall, "Maria Mater gratiae" is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Fauré's mastery of choral composition. Its premiere was well-received, and it has since become a beloved piece in the choral repertoire.

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