Composer

:

James MacMillan

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2017

First Performance

:

May 22, 2018

Average_duration

:

12:42

'O Virgo prudentissima' is a choral work composed by James MacMillan in 1996. It was premiered on December 8, 1996, at Westminster Cathedral in London, by the Westminster Cathedral Choir conducted by James O'Donnell. The piece is written for unaccompanied choir and is based on a medieval hymn to the Virgin Mary. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different section of the hymn. The first movement, "O Virgo prudentissima," is a setting of the opening lines of the hymn. It begins with a solo soprano voice singing a simple melody, which is then taken up by the full choir. The music is characterized by its use of dissonance and complex harmonies, which create a sense of tension and urgency. The second movement, "O Virgo virginum," is a setting of the second section of the hymn. It is a more contemplative and introspective piece, with a slower tempo and a more subdued mood. The music is characterized by its use of long, sustained notes and a more traditional harmonic language. The final movement, "O Virgo clemens," is a setting of the final section of the hymn. It is a joyful and celebratory piece, with a faster tempo and a more exuberant mood. The music is characterized by its use of rhythmic energy and lively counterpoint. Overall, 'O Virgo prudentissima' is a complex and challenging work that showcases MacMillan's skill as a composer. It is characterized by its use of dissonance, complex harmonies, and rhythmic energy, and is a powerful expression of devotion to the Virgin Mary.

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