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Magnificat (1999) |
For soprano, violin and organ - c. 13'
The Canticle of the Blessed Virgin, from Saint Luke’s Gospel, is here given dramatic expression by following the contrasts and patterns of the text. Vehement accents alternate with moments of serene or exuberant joyfulness. The vocal part is often set as a syllabic recitative in order to make sure the text can be understood. The violin symbolises the Holy Spirit; its part is placed on an equal level with that of the voice although it envelops the latter, and announces or prolongs its thematic material, often evolving in a high register. The organ part frames the voice/violin duet like an orchestra.