Composer

:

Johann Rosenmüller

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Average_duration

:

18:44

Johann Rosenmüller's Magnificat in C minor is a sacred choral work composed in the mid-17th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written during Rosenmüller's time as the Kapellmeister at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, Italy. The piece is scored for five vocal parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass, and a fifth part for either alto or tenor) and continuo. The Magnificat in C minor is divided into eight movements, each corresponding to a section of the Magnificat text. The first movement, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum," is a lively and joyful setting of the text, featuring imitative polyphony and a prominent role for the soprano soloist. The second movement, "Et exultavit spiritus meus," is a duet for alto and tenor that begins with a slow, expressive section before transitioning to a faster, dance-like section. The third movement, "Quia respexit humilitatem," is a solo for alto that is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and expressive ornamentation. The fourth movement, "Omnes generationes," is a lively and rhythmic setting of the text, featuring imitative polyphony and a prominent role for the bass soloist. The fifth movement, "Quia fecit mihi magna," is a duet for soprano and tenor that begins with a slow, expressive section before transitioning to a faster, dance-like section. The sixth movement, "Et misericordia," is a solo for bass that is characterized by its expressive melody and ornamentation. The seventh movement, "Fecit potentiam," is a lively and rhythmic setting of the text, featuring imitative polyphony and a prominent role for the tenor soloist. The final movement, "Gloria Patri," is a grand and celebratory setting of the text, featuring imitative polyphony and a prominent role for the full choir. Overall, Rosenmüller's Magnificat in C minor is a masterful example of Baroque choral music, characterized by its expressive melodies, intricate polyphony, and rhythmic vitality.

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