Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1877

Average_duration

:

3:47

"La salutation angélique" is a sacred choral work composed by Charles Gounod in 1852. It was premiered on December 8, 1852, at the Church of Saint-Eustache in Paris, France. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by its own unique musical style and structure. The first movement, "Ave Maria," is a setting of the traditional Latin prayer. Gounod's version features a solo soprano voice singing the melody of Bach's Prelude in C Major, while the choir provides a harmonious accompaniment. The piece is characterized by its simplicity and elegance, with the soloist's voice soaring above the choir in a beautiful and ethereal manner. The second movement, "Salut, ô Reine," is a hymn to the Virgin Mary. It features a solo tenor voice singing the melody, accompanied by the choir and organ. The piece is characterized by its grandeur and majesty, with the tenor's voice soaring above the choir in a powerful and uplifting manner. The final movement, "Angele Dei," is a prayer to the guardian angel. It features a solo alto voice singing the melody, accompanied by the choir and organ. The piece is characterized by its intimacy and tenderness, with the alto's voice conveying a sense of comfort and protection. Overall, "La salutation angélique" is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Gounod's skill as a composer. Its three movements each offer a unique musical experience, ranging from the simplicity of the "Ave Maria" to the grandeur of "Salut, ô Reine" and the intimacy of "Angele Dei." It remains a popular piece in the choral repertoire to this day.

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