Composer

:

Arthur Wills

Style

:

Magnificat

Average_duration

:

5:16

Magnificat is a choral work composed by Arthur Wills, a British composer, organist, and conductor. The piece was composed in 1978 and premiered on 17th December 1978 at King's College Chapel, Cambridge, England. The work is written for a mixed choir, soloists, and organ accompaniment. The Magnificat is a canticle, a hymn of praise, and thanksgiving, taken from the Gospel of Luke. The text is sung in Latin and is a part of the liturgy of the Catholic Church. The Magnificat is traditionally sung during the evening prayer service, also known as Vespers. The Magnificat by Arthur Wills is divided into six movements. The first movement is an opening fanfare, which sets the tone for the entire piece. The second movement is a solo for the soprano, which is followed by a choral response. The third movement is a duet for the alto and tenor, which is again followed by a choral response. The fourth movement is a solo for the bass, which is followed by a choral response. The fifth movement is a choral fugue, which is the most complex and challenging movement of the piece. The final movement is a reprise of the opening fanfare, which brings the piece to a grand conclusion. The Magnificat by Arthur Wills is characterized by its grandeur, complexity, and richness of harmony. The piece is written in a traditional style, with a strong influence of the English choral tradition. The use of soloists and choir adds depth and texture to the piece, while the organ accompaniment provides a rich and full sound. Overall, the Magnificat by Arthur Wills is a beautiful and powerful choral work that showcases the composer's skill and mastery of the English choral tradition. The piece is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of sacred music and continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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