Composer

:

Marc-Antoine Charpentier

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1671 - 1673

Average_duration

:

3:08

Ave Regina coelorum, H.19 is a sacred choral work composed by Marc-Antoine Charpentier in the 17th century. The piece is a hymn to the Virgin Mary and is written in Latin. It is believed to have been composed in the early 1680s, during Charpentier's time as the music director at the Jesuit Church in Paris. The piece is divided into four movements, each with its own distinct character and musical style. The first movement is a lively and joyful setting of the text "Ave Regina coelorum," which translates to "Hail, Queen of Heaven." The second movement is a more contemplative and introspective setting of the text "Salve, radix sancta," which translates to "Hail, holy root." The third movement is a lively and rhythmic setting of the text "Gaude, Virgo," which translates to "Rejoice, Virgin." The final movement is a grand and majestic setting of the text "O clemens, o pia," which translates to "O merciful, O loving." Charpentier's Ave Regina coelorum is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and intricate counterpoint. The piece is scored for four-part choir and continuo, with occasional solo passages for individual voices. The use of chromaticism and dissonance in the harmonies gives the piece a sense of emotional depth and intensity, while the rhythmic vitality of the music reflects the joy and exuberance of the text. The piece premiered in the Jesuit Church in Paris, where Charpentier was the music director. It quickly became popular throughout France and was performed in many other churches and cathedrals. Today, it is considered one of Charpentier's most beloved and enduring works, and is still performed regularly in churches and concert halls around the world.

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