Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1868

Publication Date

:

1880

Average_duration

:

5:43

Franz Liszt's 'Ave maris stella' is a sacred choral work composed in two versions, S. 669/2 and S. 668a. The first version, S. 669/2, was composed in 1862 and premiered in the same year in Weimar, Germany. The second version, S. 668a, was composed in 1877 and premiered in the same year in Budapest, Hungary. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Latin hymn 'Ave maris stella' (Hail, Star of the Sea). The first movement is a setting of the hymn's opening verse, which praises the Virgin Mary as the star that guides sailors through the stormy sea. The second movement is a setting of the hymn's second verse, which asks the Virgin Mary to intercede on behalf of sinners. The third movement is a setting of the hymn's final verse, which praises the Holy Trinity. Liszt's 'Ave maris stella' is characterized by its lush harmonies, soaring melodies, and dramatic contrasts. The work is scored for mixed choir and organ, with the organ providing a rich and varied accompaniment to the choral parts. The first movement features a majestic opening section, followed by a more subdued middle section that builds to a powerful climax. The second movement is more introspective, with the choir singing in a gentle, prayerful manner. The third movement is the most exuberant of the three, with the choir and organ combining to create a joyful and triumphant sound. Overall, Liszt's 'Ave maris stella' is a masterful example of his skill as a composer of sacred music. The work showcases his ability to create music that is both deeply spiritual and musically sophisticated, and it remains a beloved piece in the choral repertoire to this day.

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