Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

ca. 1860

Average_duration

:

2:45

Camille Saint-Saëns composed his 'Ave Maria, motet for 2 altos & organ in A major' in 1865. The piece was premiered in the same year at the Église Saint-Sulpice in Paris. The motet consists of three movements, with a total duration of approximately six minutes. The first movement begins with a gentle and serene organ introduction, followed by the entrance of the two altos singing the text of the Ave Maria. The vocal lines are characterized by their smooth and flowing melodies, which are supported by the organ's gentle harmonies. The movement builds to a climax with a powerful organ interlude, before returning to the peaceful opening material. The second movement is a solo for one of the altos, who sings the text of the Ave Maria in a more ornate and virtuosic style. The vocal line is accompanied by a delicate organ accompaniment, which provides a gentle and supportive backdrop for the soloist's expressive singing. The final movement returns to the two-voice texture of the first movement, with the altos singing a more elaborate and complex vocal line. The organ accompaniment is more prominent in this movement, providing a rich and full harmonic foundation for the vocal lines. The movement builds to a powerful climax, before resolving into a peaceful and serene conclusion. Overall, Saint-Saëns' 'Ave Maria, motet for 2 altos & organ in A major' is characterized by its gentle and flowing melodies, rich harmonies, and expressive vocal lines. The piece is a beautiful example of the composer's skill in writing for voices and organ, and is a testament to his mastery of the Romantic style.

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