Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1957

First Performance

:

May 10, 1960

Average_duration

:

3:12

'Ave Maria, Op. 10/1' is a choral work composed by Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara in 1978. The piece was premiered in Helsinki, Finland on December 10, 1978, by the Finnish Radio Chamber Choir under the direction of Eric-Olof Söderström. The piece is written for a mixed choir and is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a solo soprano voice singing the opening words of the Ave Maria prayer, "Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum" (Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee). The choir then joins in with a gentle, flowing melody that builds in intensity as the movement progresses. The second movement is a more subdued and introspective section, with the choir singing in a soft, ethereal style. The final movement returns to the more energetic and uplifting style of the first movement, with the choir singing in a triumphant and joyful manner. Rautavaara's 'Ave Maria' is characterized by its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and use of dissonance to create tension and release. The piece is also notable for its use of extended vocal techniques, such as whispering and humming, to create a sense of otherworldliness and mystery. Overall, 'Ave Maria, Op. 10/1' is a beautiful and moving choral work that showcases Rautavaara's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both deeply spiritual and emotionally resonant.

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