Composer

:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1771

Average_duration

:

10:00

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed 'Litaniae Lauretanae, K. 109 (74e)' in 1771, when he was just 15 years old. The piece was premiered in Salzburg, Austria, on May 4, 1771, during the annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Maria Plain. The 'Litaniae Lauretanae' is a litany, a form of prayer consisting of a series of petitions and responses, often sung in procession. The text of the litany is in Latin and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, specifically to Our Lady of Loreto, a popular pilgrimage site in Italy. The piece is divided into six movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, 'Kyrie eleison,' is a solemn plea for mercy, with the choir singing in unison. The second movement, 'Christe eleison,' is a more joyful and lively section, with the choir singing in harmony. The third movement, 'Kyrie eleison,' returns to the solemn mood of the first movement. The fourth movement, 'Sancta Maria,' is a hymn to the Virgin Mary, with the choir singing in four-part harmony. The fifth movement, 'Salus infirmorum,' is a prayer for the sick and suffering, with the choir singing in unison. The final movement, 'Agnus Dei,' is a prayer for peace, with the choir singing in harmony. The 'Litaniae Lauretanae' is characterized by its simple yet elegant melodies, its use of counterpoint, and its skillful handling of the choir and orchestra. Despite being composed when Mozart was still a teenager, the piece shows a remarkable maturity and sophistication, and is a testament to his prodigious talent.

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