Composer

:

Johann Pachelbel

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

before Apr 1706

Publication Date

:

1977

Average_duration

:

5:41

Johann Pachelbel's Magnificat in D major, T. 417, is a sacred choral work composed in the Baroque era. It was likely composed in the early 1690s, during Pachelbel's tenure as organist at the St. Sebaldus Church in Nuremberg, Germany. The work is scored for five vocal parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass, and a fifth part for either alto or tenor), strings, and continuo. The Magnificat in D major is divided into twelve movements, each corresponding to a verse of the Magnificat, a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary. The first movement, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum," begins with a joyful and exuberant choral fugue, with the strings and continuo providing a lively accompaniment. The second movement, "Et exultavit spiritus meus," features a solo soprano singing a virtuosic aria, accompanied by the strings and continuo. The third movement, "Quia respexit humilitatem," is a duet for alto and tenor, with the strings and continuo providing a gentle and flowing accompaniment. The fourth movement, "Omnes generationes," is a lively and rhythmic choral fugue, with the strings and continuo providing a driving accompaniment. The fifth movement, "Quia fecit mihi magna," is a solo aria for bass, accompanied by the strings and continuo. The sixth movement, "Et misericordia," is a duet for soprano and alto, with the strings and continuo providing a gentle and flowing accompaniment. The seventh movement, "Fecit potentiam," is a lively and rhythmic choral fugue, with the strings and continuo providing a driving accompaniment. The eighth movement, "Deposuit potentes," is a solo aria for tenor, accompanied by the strings and continuo. The ninth movement, "Esurientes implevit bonis," is a duet for soprano and alto, with the strings and continuo providing a gentle and flowing accompaniment. The tenth movement, "Suscepit Israel," is a solo aria for alto, accompanied by the strings and continuo. The eleventh movement, "Sicut locutus est," is a lively and rhythmic choral fugue, with the strings and continuo providing a driving accompaniment. The twelfth and final movement, "Gloria Patri," is a reprise of the opening movement, with the addition of a doxology. The Magnificat in D major is characterized by its joyful and exuberant tone, with lively choral fugues and virtuosic solo arias. Pachelbel's use of the strings and continuo provides a rich and varied accompaniment, with the continuo often providing a driving rhythmic pulse. The work is a testament to Pachelbel's skill as a composer of sacred choral music, and remains a beloved work in the Baroque choral repertoire.

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