Composer

:

Healey Willan

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Compose Date

:

1957

Average_duration

:

4:29

Healey Willan's Magnificat is a choral work that was composed in 1928. It was premiered on December 16, 1928, at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Toronto, Canada. The Magnificat is a setting of the canticle of Mary, which is also known as the Song of Mary or the Canticle of the Blessed Virgin. The Magnificat is divided into six movements, each of which corresponds to a different section of the canticle. The first movement is a setting of the opening lines of the canticle, "My soul doth magnify the Lord." It is a joyful and exuberant movement that sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second movement is a setting of the next few lines of the canticle, which describe how Mary rejoices in God her Savior. This movement is more subdued than the first, but still has a sense of joy and celebration. The third movement is a setting of the next section of the canticle, which describes how God has looked upon the lowliness of his handmaiden. This movement is more introspective and contemplative than the previous two, with a sense of humility and reverence. The fourth movement is a setting of the next section of the canticle, which describes how God has done great things for Mary. This movement is more grand and majestic than the previous three, with a sense of awe and wonder. The fifth movement is a setting of the next section of the canticle, which describes how God has scattered the proud and lifted up the lowly. This movement is more dramatic and intense than the previous four, with a sense of conflict and struggle. The final movement is a setting of the closing lines of the canticle, which describe how God has helped his servant Israel. This movement is more peaceful and serene than the previous five, with a sense of resolution and fulfillment. Overall, Healey Willan's Magnificat is a beautiful and expressive choral work that captures the spirit of the canticle of Mary. It is characterized by its joyful and exuberant tone, as well as its sense of humility, reverence, awe, wonder, conflict, struggle, and resolution.

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