Magnificat

Magnificat is a tribute to the unaccompanied motets of favourite composers from several eras – in particular those of Dufay, the Eton Choirbook, Robert Carver, Lassus and Bach.

The work is therefore full of contrast in texture, harmony, mood and pacing, and exploits the resources of unaccompanied chorus in a manner not only analogous to those already mentioned but also to ensemble or orchestral writing. Naturally – given the sentiments of the text – the mood is predominantly joyful and exuberant; but the darker implications of certain phrases in the text are not ignored. Towards the end there is a big choral explosion on one of the traditional plainsong chants for the Magnificat, before the work subsides into a coda of calm serenity.

Magnificat was commissioned by the ORA choir. It is dedicated to the French composer Betsy Jolas, in celebration of her 90th birthday, and in equal celebration of our mutual love of many choral composers mentioned above.