Composer

:

Michael Finnissy

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Average_duration

:

4:09

'Ave regina coelorum' is a choral work composed by Michael Finnissy in 1989. The piece was premiered on 17th June 1989 at St. John's Smith Square in London by the BBC Singers, conducted by Simon Joly. The work is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement is a setting of the Ave Regina Coelorum text, which is a hymn to the Virgin Mary. The second movement is a setting of the text 'O Maria, Mater Dei', which is a prayer to Mary asking for her intercession. The third movement is a setting of the text 'Ave Maris Stella', which is a hymn to Mary as the Star of the Sea. The final movement is a setting of the text 'Regina Caeli', which is a hymn to Mary as Queen of Heaven. Finnissy's setting of these texts is characterized by his use of complex harmonies and dissonances, as well as his incorporation of traditional choral techniques such as polyphony and antiphony. The work also features a wide range of vocal textures, from the ethereal and delicate to the powerful and dramatic. Overall, 'Ave regina coelorum' is a challenging and complex work that showcases Finnissy's unique approach to choral composition. Its premiere was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it has since become a staple of the contemporary choral repertoire.

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