Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Compose Date

:

1979

First Performance

:

Dec 14, 1980

Average_duration

:

16:08

Magnificat is a choral work composed by Einojuhani Rautavaara in 1972. It was premiered on December 10, 1972, by the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, conducted by Eric-Olof Söderström. The work is divided into six movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Magnificat text. The first movement, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum," is a joyful and exuberant setting of the opening lines of the Magnificat. The choir sings in unison, with occasional bursts of polyphony, and the music is characterized by its rhythmic vitality and bright harmonies. The second movement, "Et exultavit spiritus meus," is a more introspective and contemplative setting of the text. The music is slower and more meditative, with long, flowing lines and rich harmonies. The third movement, "Quia respexit humilitatem," is a gentle and tender setting of the text. The choir sings in a soft, hushed tone, with delicate harmonies and a sense of reverence and awe. The fourth movement, "Quia fecit mihi magna," is a lively and energetic setting of the text. The music is characterized by its driving rhythms and exuberant harmonies, and the choir sings with great enthusiasm and joy. The fifth movement, "Et misericordia," is a gentle and tender setting of the text. The music is slow and contemplative, with long, flowing lines and rich harmonies, and the choir sings with great sensitivity and emotion. The final movement, "Fecit potentiam in brachio suo," is a triumphant and exultant setting of the text. The music is characterized by its bold, majestic harmonies and powerful rhythms, and the choir sings with great energy and enthusiasm. Overall, Rautavaara's Magnificat is a beautiful and expressive work that captures the joy, wonder, and reverence of the Magnificat text. The music is characterized by its rich harmonies, flowing melodies, and rhythmic vitality, and the choir sings with great sensitivity and emotion.

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