Magnificat (Schubert) Explained

Magnificat
Composer:Franz Schubert
Type:Sacred choral music
Image Upright:1.1
Key:C major
Catalogue: 486
Text:Magnificat
Language:Latin
Movements:three

The Magnificat in C major, 486, is a musical setting of the Latin: [[Magnificat]] hymn composed by Franz Schubert in 1816.[1] It is scored for SATB soloists, mixed choir, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 2 trumpets, violin I and II, viola, timpani and basso continuo (cello, double bass and organ).

The autograph score is dated 25 September 1816, and was likely to have been composed for vespers at the Lichtental Church.[2] This composition is Schubert's only setting of the Latin: Magnificat.[3]

The work is divided into three distinct movements, forming a musical triptych.[1] This is a typical format found in Schubert's sacred music.[4] Performances require approximately 10 minutes.

  1. "Magnificat anima mea Dominum" Italian: Allegro maestoso, C major, common time
  2. "Deposuit potentes de sede" Italian: Andante, F major, 3/4
  3. "Gloria Patri" Italian: Allegro vivace, C major, 3/4

Schubert used a shortened version of the hymn, omitting the lines Latin: quia fecit mihi magna to Latin: dispersit superbos mente cordis sui. He also changed the line Latin: ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes ("For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed") to Latin: ecce enim ex hoc me beatam dicent gentes ("For behold, from henceforth all nations shall call me blessed").

Notes and References

  1. Book: Franz Schubert: Magnificat. Robert S.. Hines. Alfred Music Publishing. 1999. Foreword. 9781457489181.
  2. Book: Howie, Crawford. The Unknown Schubert. Barbara M.. Reul. Lorraine Byrne. Bodley. Small is beautiful: Schubert's smaller sacred works. 70. 2008. Ashgate Publishing . 9780754661924.
  3. Book: Newbould, Brian. Brian Newbould

    . Schubert: The Music and the Man. Brian Newbould. 1999. 140. University of California Press . 9780520219571.

  4. Book: Shrock, Dennis. Choral Repertoire. 383. 2009. Oxford University Press . 9780199716623.