Composer

:

Chiara Margarita Cozzolani

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1642

Average_duration

:

5:32

'O Maria, tu dulcis, Op. 2' is a sacred vocal work composed by Chiara Margarita Cozzolani, an Italian Baroque composer and singer who lived from 1602 to 1678. The piece was composed in the mid-17th century and was likely premiered in the convent of Santa Radegonda in Milan, where Cozzolani was a nun and music director. The work consists of a single movement, which is a setting of the Marian antiphon "O Maria, tu dulcis" for solo voice and continuo. The text of the antiphon praises the Virgin Mary as a source of sweetness and comfort for those who seek her intercession. Cozzolani's setting of the antiphon is characterized by its expressive melodic lines and rich harmonies. The vocal part is highly ornamented, with frequent trills, runs, and other embellishments that showcase the singer's virtuosity. The continuo part, which is played on a keyboard instrument and a bass instrument such as a cello or viola da gamba, provides a simple but effective harmonic foundation for the vocal line. Overall, 'O Maria, tu dulcis, Op. 2' is a beautiful example of Cozzolani's skill as a composer and her devotion to the Virgin Mary. Its expressive melodies and rich harmonies make it a standout work in the repertoire of Baroque sacred music.

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