Composer

:

Charles Villiers Stanford

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Compose Date

:

1904

Average_duration

:

8:29

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Charles Villiers Stanford's 'Evening Service in G major, Op. 81' is a choral work composed for Anglican church services. It was written in 1909 and premiered at St. Paul's Cathedral in London on October 21, 1909. The piece is divided into two movements: Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. The Magnificat is a setting of the biblical text from the Gospel of Luke, which is traditionally sung during the evening service of the Anglican Church. Stanford's setting is characterized by its grandeur and majesty, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies. The opening phrase, "My soul doth magnify the Lord," is sung by the choir in unison, before breaking into a four-part harmony. The piece then alternates between solo and choral sections, with the choir singing the more exultant passages and the soloists taking on the more contemplative sections. The Nunc Dimittis is a setting of the biblical text from the Gospel of Luke, which is traditionally sung at the end of the evening service. Stanford's setting is more subdued than the Magnificat, with a gentle melody and simple harmonies. The piece begins with a soloist singing the opening phrase, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace," before the choir joins in. The piece then alternates between solo and choral sections, with the choir singing the more joyful passages and the soloists taking on the more introspective sections. Overall, Stanford's 'Evening Service in G major, Op. 81' is a beautiful and powerful work that showcases his skill as a composer of choral music. Its grandeur and majesty make it a popular choice for Anglican church services, and it remains a beloved piece of music to this day.

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