Composer

:

Thomas Foster

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:35

"Lift Your Voice Rejoicing, Mary" is a choral work composed by Thomas Foster. It was composed in 1990 and premiered on December 16, 1990, by the Choir of St. Thomas Church in New York City, under the direction of Gerre Hancock. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Magnificat," is a setting of the text from the Gospel of Luke, in which Mary praises God for the blessings she has received. The movement begins with a joyful and exuberant choral fanfare, which sets the tone for the entire piece. The music is characterized by its rhythmic vitality and its use of syncopation, which gives the piece a lively and energetic feel. The movement ends with a quiet and reflective section, in which the choir sings a gentle and peaceful melody. The second movement, "Nunc Dimittis," is a setting of the text from the Gospel of Luke, in which Simeon praises God for allowing him to see the infant Jesus before he dies. The movement begins with a solo voice singing a plaintive melody, which is then taken up by the choir. The music is characterized by its simplicity and its use of modal harmonies, which give the piece a timeless and ethereal quality. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful section, in which the choir sings a gentle and soothing melody. The third movement, "Gloria Patri," is a setting of the text from the Christian liturgy, in which God is praised and glorified. The movement begins with a choral fanfare, which is then followed by a lively and energetic section, characterized by its use of syncopation and its rhythmic vitality. The movement ends with a triumphant and exuberant section, in which the choir sings a joyful and celebratory melody. Overall, "Lift Your Voice Rejoicing, Mary" is a vibrant and uplifting choral work, characterized by its rhythmic vitality, its use of syncopation, and its joyful and exuberant melodies. The piece is a testament to Thomas Foster's skill as a composer, and it remains a beloved work in the choral repertoire.

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