Composer

:

Goffredo Petrassi

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1939-1940

Average_duration

:

30:51

Movement_count

:

13

Movement ....

Goffredo Petrassi's Magnificat, for soprano leggero, chorus & orchestra, was composed in 1939 and premiered in Rome in the same year. The piece is divided into six movements, each with its own distinct character and musical language. The first movement, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum," begins with a solo soprano leggero singing the text of the Magnificat in a lyrical and expressive manner. The chorus enters with a more declamatory style, emphasizing the words "magnificat" and "exultavit" with rhythmic intensity. The orchestra provides a rich and colorful accompaniment, with brass and percussion adding a sense of grandeur and celebration. The second movement, "Et misericordia eius," is a duet for soprano leggero and alto soloist, accompanied by a gentle and flowing orchestral texture. The music is characterized by a sense of tenderness and compassion, reflecting the text's emphasis on God's mercy. The third movement, "Fecit potentiam in brachio suo," is a lively and rhythmic chorus, with the orchestra providing a driving and energetic accompaniment. The music is characterized by syncopated rhythms and angular melodies, reflecting the text's emphasis on God's power and strength. The fourth movement, "Deposuit potentes de sede," is a solo for the soprano leggero, accompanied by a sparse and haunting orchestral texture. The music is characterized by a sense of mystery and awe, reflecting the text's emphasis on God's ability to humble the mighty. The fifth movement, "Esurientes implevit bonis," is a duet for soprano leggero and alto soloist, accompanied by a gentle and flowing orchestral texture. The music is characterized by a sense of joy and abundance, reflecting the text's emphasis on God's ability to satisfy the hungry with good things. The final movement, "Gloria Patri," is a grand and majestic chorus, with the orchestra providing a rich and powerful accompaniment. The music is characterized by a sense of triumph and exaltation, reflecting the text's emphasis on the glory of God. Overall, Petrassi's Magnificat is a masterful work that combines expressive lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and rich orchestration to create a powerful and moving musical interpretation of the Magnificat text.

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