Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Compose Date

:

May 31, 1822

Average_duration

:

28:10

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Felix Mendelssohn's Magnificat in D major, Op. 69, was composed in 1822 when he was just 13 years old. The piece was premiered in Berlin in 1822, conducted by the composer's father, Abraham Mendelssohn. The Magnificat is a setting of the biblical text known as the Song of Mary, which is traditionally sung during the Christian liturgy. Mendelssohn's setting is divided into seven movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the text. The first movement, "Magnificat anima mea Dominum" (My soul doth magnify the Lord), is a joyful and exuberant choral setting that sets the tone for the entire piece. The second movement, "Et exultavit spiritus meus" (And my spirit hath rejoiced), is a solo aria for soprano that is characterized by its light and airy melody. The third movement, "Quia respexit humilitatem" (For he hath regarded the lowliness), is a duet for alto and tenor that is marked by its gentle and contemplative character. The fourth movement, "Omnes generationes" (All generations), is a choral setting that is characterized by its grandeur and majesty. The fifth movement, "Quia fecit mihi magna" (For he that is mighty hath done great things), is a solo aria for bass that is marked by its powerful and declamatory character. The sixth movement, "Et misericordia" (And his mercy), is a duet for soprano and alto that is characterized by its tender and intimate character. The final movement, "Gloria Patri" (Glory be to the Father), is a choral setting that brings the piece to a triumphant and joyful conclusion. Overall, Mendelssohn's Magnificat in D major is characterized by its youthful exuberance, its skillful use of choral and solo voices, and its ability to capture the various moods and emotions of the biblical text. Despite being composed when Mendelssohn was just a teenager, the piece is a testament to his prodigious talent and his ability to create music of great beauty and depth.

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