Composer

:

François Couperin

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Publication Date

:

1680

Average_duration

:

10:48

François Couperin was a French Baroque composer who lived from 1668 to 1733. He was a member of a family of musicians and was known for his keyboard music, chamber music, and sacred music. One of his most famous works is the Salve Regina, a setting of the Marian antiphon. The Salve Regina was composed in 1695 and premiered at the Royal Chapel in Versailles. It is a setting of the Salve Regina text, which is a hymn to the Virgin Mary. The text is divided into five movements, each of which corresponds to one of the traditional antiphons of the Salve Regina. The first movement is a simple and elegant setting of the antiphon "Salve Regina." It begins with a solo voice singing the text, accompanied by a continuo of organ and cello. The choir then enters, singing the same text in harmony. The movement ends with a repeat of the opening solo. The second movement is a setting of the antiphon "Ad te clamamus." It is a more complex and ornate setting, with the choir singing in four parts and the organ providing a rich accompaniment. The movement features a number of vocal solos and duets, as well as a section where the choir sings in a hushed, prayerful tone. The third movement is a setting of the antiphon "Eia ergo." It is a lively and joyful setting, with the choir singing in a fast tempo and the organ providing a lively accompaniment. The movement features a number of vocal solos and duets, as well as a section where the choir sings in a more subdued tone. The fourth movement is a setting of the antiphon "Et Jesum." It is a more contemplative and introspective setting, with the choir singing in a slow tempo and the organ providing a gentle accompaniment. The movement features a number of vocal solos and duets, as well as a section where the choir sings in a more dramatic and passionate tone. The final movement is a setting of the antiphon "O clemens." It is a simple and elegant setting, with the choir singing in a slow tempo and the organ providing a gentle accompaniment. The movement features a number of vocal solos and duets, as well as a section where the choir sings in a more joyful and celebratory tone. Overall, the Salve Regina is a beautiful and expressive setting of the Marian antiphon. It showcases Couperin's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both elegant and emotionally powerful.

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