Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1976 - 1977

First Performance

:

Sep 13, 1977

Average_duration

:

27:21

Annunciations is a choral work composed by Einojuhani Rautavaara in 1995. The piece was premiered in Helsinki, Finland, on December 10, 1995, by the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir, conducted by Timo Nuoranne. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text related to the Annunciation. The first movement, "Ave Maria," is based on the traditional Latin text of the same name. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening words of the text, "Ave Maria, gratia plena" (Hail Mary, full of grace). The choir then enters, singing a lush, harmonious setting of the text. The movement is characterized by its soaring melodies and rich harmonies, which create a sense of awe and reverence. The second movement, "The Angel," is based on a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke. The text describes the moment when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary to announce that she will bear a child. The movement begins with a solo tenor voice singing the opening lines of the poem, "Angel, if there is any angel at all, it must be you." The choir then enters, singing a haunting, ethereal setting of the text. The movement is characterized by its use of dissonance and unusual harmonies, which create a sense of mystery and otherworldliness. The third movement, "Magnificat," is based on the traditional Latin text of the same name. The text is Mary's song of praise to God after the Annunciation. The movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening words of the text, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum" (My soul magnifies the Lord). The choir then enters, singing a joyful, exuberant setting of the text. The movement is characterized by its lively rhythms and bright, celebratory harmonies, which create a sense of joy and gratitude. Overall, Annunciations is a powerful and moving work that explores the themes of faith, mystery, and wonder. Rautavaara's use of rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and unusual harmonies creates a sense of awe and reverence, while his use of dissonance and unusual harmonies creates a sense of mystery and otherworldliness. The work is a testament to Rautavaara's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that speaks to the human spirit.

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