Composer

:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Antiphon

Compose Date

:

1779

Average_duration

:

6:57

Regina coeli, K. 276 (321b) is a sacred choral work composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1779. It was written for the Easter season and is a setting of the Marian antiphon Regina coeli. The work is scored for four-part choir, soloists, and orchestra. The premiere of Regina coeli, K. 276 (321b) took place on April 4, 1779, at the Salzburg Cathedral. The work was performed during the Easter season, which is a time of great celebration in the Catholic Church. The piece was well-received by the audience and has since become a staple of the choral repertoire. Regina coeli, K. 276 (321b) is divided into four movements. The first movement is a lively and joyful setting of the Regina coeli antiphon. The choir and orchestra alternate in a call-and-response style, with the soloists adding their voices to the mix. The second movement is a soprano aria that is more contemplative in nature. The soloist sings of the joys of the resurrection and the hope that it brings. The third movement is a duet for soprano and tenor. The two voices intertwine in a beautiful melody that celebrates the glory of the risen Christ. The final movement is a rousing chorus that brings the work to a triumphant close. One of the characteristics of Regina coeli, K. 276 (321b) is its use of contrasting textures and dynamics. The work moves seamlessly between sections that are loud and exuberant and those that are soft and introspective. This creates a sense of drama and excitement that is typical of Mozart's music. Another characteristic of the work is its use of soloists. The soprano and tenor soloists are given prominent roles, adding a sense of intimacy and personal expression to the piece. Overall, Regina coeli, K. 276 (321b) is a beautiful and uplifting work that celebrates the joy and hope of the Easter season. Its combination of choral and soloistic writing, along with its use of contrasting textures and dynamics, make it a masterpiece of the choral repertoire.

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