Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1937

Average_duration

:

18:34

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

A. M. D. G. (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam), Op. 17 is a choral work composed by Benjamin Britten in 1939. The piece was premiered on July 2, 1939, at the Aldeburgh Festival, with the composer conducting the choir of St. Bartholomew's Church, Orford. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, "Prayer I," is a setting of a text by St. Ignatius of Loyola. It begins with a quiet, contemplative section for the choir, accompanied by a gentle organ accompaniment. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the choir singing in unison and then in harmony, before returning to the peaceful opening material. The second movement, "Antiphon," is a setting of a text by the 17th-century poet Richard Crashaw. It is a lively and rhythmic piece, with the choir singing in a call-and-response style. The organ provides a lively accompaniment, with fast-moving arpeggios and cascading chords. The final movement, "Prayer II," is a setting of a text by St. Teresa of Avila. It is a quiet and reflective piece, with the choir singing in a gentle, almost whispered tone. The organ provides a simple accompaniment, with sustained chords and occasional flourishes. Overall, A. M. D. G. is a work of great beauty and simplicity. Britten's use of choral textures and organ accompaniment creates a sense of reverence and contemplation, while the lively rhythms and call-and-response style of the second movement add a sense of joy and celebration. The work is a testament to Britten's skill as a composer of choral music, and remains a popular choice for choirs around the world.

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