Composer

:

Chiara Margarita Cozzolani

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Compose Date

:

1650

Average_duration

:

8:55

Chiara Margarita Cozzolani was a 17th-century Italian composer and Benedictine nun who lived in Milan. She was known for her sacred vocal music, which was performed in the convent where she lived. One of her most famous works is the Magnificat primo, which was composed in 1650. The Magnificat primo is a setting of the Magnificat, a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary that is found in the Gospel of Luke. Cozzolani's setting is scored for five voices (SSATB) and continuo. It is divided into eight movements, each of which corresponds to a verse of the Magnificat. The first movement, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum," is a lively and joyful setting of the opening verse. The second movement, "Et exultavit spiritus meus," is a solo for the soprano voice that is characterized by its virtuosic runs and trills. The third movement, "Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae," is a duet for soprano and alto that is marked by its gentle, flowing melody. The fourth movement, "Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est," is a solo for the bass voice that is notable for its dramatic leaps and flourishes. The fifth movement, "Et misericordia eius a progenie in progenies," is a duet for alto and tenor that is characterized by its rich harmonies and expressive melodic lines. The sixth movement, "Fecit potentiam in brachio suo," is a solo for the tenor voice that is marked by its soaring melodic lines and virtuosic runs. The seventh movement, "Deposuit potentes de sede," is a duet for soprano and bass that is characterized by its dramatic contrasts between the two voices. The final movement, "Suscepit Israel puerum suum," is a lively and joyful setting of the closing verse. Throughout the Magnificat primo, Cozzolani demonstrates her skill as a composer of vocal music, creating expressive melodies and rich harmonies that are perfectly suited to the text of the Magnificat.

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