Composer

:

Francis Jackson

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Average_duration

:

5:05

The Magnificat in G minor is a choral work composed by Francis Jackson, an English organist and composer, in 1952. It was premiered on December 7, 1952, at York Minster, where Jackson served as the organist and master of the choristers from 1946 to 1982. The Magnificat in G minor is a setting of the Magnificat, a canticle from the Gospel of Luke, which is traditionally sung during the evening prayer service of the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. The work is divided into five movements, each of which corresponds to a section of the Magnificat text. The first movement, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum," is a lively and joyful setting of the opening lines of the Magnificat. The choir sings in unison, accompanied by the organ, and the music is characterized by its rhythmic energy and melodic simplicity. The second movement, "Et exultavit spiritus meus," is a solo for alto or mezzo-soprano, accompanied by the choir and organ. The music is more contemplative and introspective than the first movement, with a more complex harmonic structure and a greater emphasis on the soloist's expressive interpretation of the text. The third movement, "Quia respexit humilitatem," is a duet for soprano and tenor, accompanied by the choir and organ. The music is characterized by its gentle, flowing melody and its delicate interplay between the two soloists. The fourth movement, "Quia fecit mihi magna," is a solo for bass, accompanied by the choir and organ. The music is more dramatic and forceful than the previous movements, with a more complex harmonic structure and a greater emphasis on the soloist's virtuosity. The final movement, "Gloria Patri," is a setting of the doxology that concludes the Magnificat. The music is characterized by its grandeur and majesty, with the choir and organ combining to create a powerful and triumphant sound. Overall, the Magnificat in G minor is a work of great beauty and emotional depth, characterized by its expressive melodies, complex harmonies, and virtuosic vocal writing. It is a testament to Francis Jackson's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the choral tradition.

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