Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Compose Date

:

Jun 1733

Publication Date

:

1860

First Performance

:

Jun 2, 1733

Average_duration

:

27:52

Movement_count

:

13

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach's Magnificat in D major, BWV 243, is a choral work composed in Leipzig in 1723. It was first performed on Christmas Day of that year at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig. The Magnificat is a setting of the biblical canticle of the same name, which is traditionally sung at vespers or evening prayer. The work is divided into twelve movements, each of which sets a different section of the Magnificat text. The first movement, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum," is a grand choral setting of the opening words of the Magnificat. The second movement, "Et exultavit spiritus meus," is a joyful aria for soprano soloist, accompanied by a lively string orchestra. The third movement, "Quia respexit humilitatem," is a gentle duet for soprano and alto soloists, accompanied by a solo violin. The fourth movement, "Omnes generationes," is a lively choral setting of the text "All generations shall call me blessed." The fifth movement, "Quia fecit mihi magna," is a virtuosic aria for bass soloist, accompanied by a solo trumpet. The sixth movement, "Et misericordia," is a gentle duet for alto and tenor soloists, accompanied by a solo oboe. The seventh movement, "Fecit potentiam," is a triumphant choral setting of the text "He hath showed strength with his arm." The eighth movement, "Deposuit potentes," is a dramatic aria for tenor soloist, accompanied by a solo flute. The ninth movement, "Esurientes implevit bonis," is a gentle duet for soprano and alto soloists, accompanied by a solo cello. The tenth movement, "Suscepit Israel," is a joyful choral setting of the text "He hath holpen his servant Israel." The eleventh movement, "Sicut locutus est," is a lively aria for soprano soloist, accompanied by a solo trumpet. The twelfth and final movement, "Gloria Patri," is a grand choral setting of the doxology, "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost." The Magnificat in D major is a masterpiece of Baroque choral music, showcasing Bach's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the text. The work is characterized by its grandeur, its virtuosic solo writing, and its intricate choral counterpoint. It remains one of Bach's most beloved and frequently performed works.

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