Composer

:

John Tavener

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Compose Date

:

1986

Average_duration

:

10:04

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

John Tavener's 'Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis' is a choral work that was composed in 1986. It was premiered on 22nd June 1986 at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England. The work is divided into two movements, the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis, which are both based on biblical texts. The Magnificat is a setting of the Song of Mary, which is found in the Gospel of Luke. The text is a hymn of praise that Mary sings after she learns that she will give birth to Jesus. Tavener's setting of the Magnificat is characterized by its use of simple, chant-like melodies and rich harmonies. The choir sings in unison for much of the piece, with occasional moments of polyphony. The music is slow and meditative, reflecting the contemplative nature of the text. The Nunc Dimittis is a setting of the Song of Simeon, which is also found in the Gospel of Luke. The text is a hymn of praise that Simeon sings when he sees the infant Jesus in the temple. Tavener's setting of the Nunc Dimittis is more complex than the Magnificat, with more frequent changes in texture and harmony. The choir sings in four parts, with moments of antiphonal singing between the different sections. The music is more joyful and celebratory than the Magnificat, reflecting the joyful nature of the text. Overall, Tavener's 'Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis' is a beautiful and contemplative choral work that showcases the composer's skill in creating simple yet powerful music. The work is characterized by its use of chant-like melodies, rich harmonies, and moments of polyphony. The two movements, the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis, are both based on biblical texts and reflect the contemplative and joyful nature of those texts.

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