Composer

:

Zoltán Kodály

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Ave Maria

Compose Date

:

1898

Average_duration

:

2:02

Zoltán Kodály's "Ave Maria" for high voice chorus and organ was composed in 1943. The piece premiered in Budapest, Hungary on December 12, 1943, performed by the Hungarian Radio Chorus and organist Ferenc Szekeres. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening phrase of the "Ave Maria" text, followed by the entrance of the chorus. The organ provides a rich harmonic foundation for the voices, with occasional interjections of solo organ passages. The movement builds to a climax with the chorus singing "Sancta Maria, Mater Dei" in a powerful unison. The second movement is a solo for the soprano voice, with the organ providing a delicate accompaniment. The soprano sings the text "Ave Maria, gratia plena" in a lyrical and expressive manner, with occasional ornamentation and melodic flourishes. The final movement returns to the full chorus and organ, with the soprano voice occasionally soaring above the texture. The harmonies are lush and complex, with occasional dissonances adding tension and drama. The piece ends with a quiet and peaceful resolution, with the chorus singing "Ora pro nobis" in a gentle and prayerful manner. Overall, Kodály's "Ave Maria" is a beautiful and expressive setting of the traditional text. The use of solo soprano voice, chorus, and organ creates a rich and varied texture, with moments of both grandeur and intimacy. The harmonies are complex and sophisticated, reflecting Kodály's mastery of choral writing.

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