Composer

:

Joseph Rheinberger

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

ca. 1876

Average_duration

:

15:09

Joseph Rheinberger's 'Latin Hymns (3), Op. 96' is a collection of three hymns composed for mixed choir and organ. The work was composed in 1884 and premiered in the same year in Munich, Germany. The three movements are titled 'Ave Regina Coelorum', 'Ave Maris Stella', and 'Salve Regina'. The first movement, 'Ave Regina Coelorum', is a hymn to the Virgin Mary. The piece begins with a gentle organ introduction, followed by the choir singing the first verse in unison. The second verse features a four-part harmony, with the choir singing in a homophonic style. The third verse is sung by the choir in a more complex polyphonic style, with each voice part weaving in and out of each other. The piece ends with a quiet organ coda. The second movement, 'Ave Maris Stella', is a hymn to the Virgin Mary as the Star of the Sea. The piece begins with a lively organ introduction, followed by the choir singing the first verse in unison. The second verse features a four-part harmony, with the choir singing in a more complex polyphonic style. The third verse is sung by the choir in a homophonic style, with the organ providing a gentle accompaniment. The piece ends with a triumphant organ coda. The third movement, 'Salve Regina', is a hymn to the Virgin Mary as the Queen of Heaven. The piece begins with a gentle organ introduction, followed by the choir singing the first verse in unison. The second verse features a four-part harmony, with the choir singing in a more complex polyphonic style. The third verse is sung by the choir in a homophonic style, with the organ providing a gentle accompaniment. The piece ends with a quiet organ coda. Overall, 'Latin Hymns (3), Op. 96' is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases Rheinberger's skill in writing for choir and organ. The three movements are each unique in their style and character, but all share a sense of reverence and devotion to the Virgin Mary.

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