Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Compose Date

:

2005

First Performance

:

Dec 12, 2008

Average_duration

:

38:01

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

Ex Maria Virgine is a choral work composed by John Tavener in 1976. It was premiered on December 8, 1976, at St. John's College, Cambridge, by the Choir of St. John's College, conducted by George Guest. The work is divided into six movements, each of which is based on a text from the Bible. The first movement, "Annunciation," is based on the Gospel of Luke and depicts the moment when the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will give birth to Jesus. The music is ethereal and otherworldly, with the choir singing in a high register and accompanied by a solo cello. The second movement, "The Visitation," is based on the Gospel of Luke and depicts Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, who is also pregnant. The music is joyful and celebratory, with the choir singing in a more robust and energetic manner. The third movement, "Magnificat," is based on the Gospel of Luke and is Mary's song of praise to God. The music is grand and majestic, with the choir singing in a full-throated manner and accompanied by organ and brass. The fourth movement, "Nativity," is based on the Gospel of Luke and depicts the birth of Jesus. The music is quiet and contemplative, with the choir singing in a hushed and reverent manner. The fifth movement, "Shepherds," is based on the Gospel of Luke and depicts the shepherds who were visited by angels and told of the birth of Jesus. The music is pastoral and rustic, with the choir singing in a more earthy and grounded manner. The final movement, "Epiphany," is based on the Gospel of Matthew and depicts the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. The music is exotic and mysterious, with the choir singing in a more modal and Eastern-influenced manner. Overall, Ex Maria Virgine is a deeply spiritual and meditative work that reflects Tavener's interest in Eastern Orthodox Christianity and his fascination with the mystical and transcendent aspects of religious experience. The music is characterized by its use of chant-like melodies, rich harmonies, and a sense of timelessness and eternity.

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