Magnificat

The first movement, Magnificat, is an exultant and joyful attempt to convey the excitement of Mary and of the infant in the womb. It leads into the more introspective Quia respexit set for solo soprano, with choral interjections. Follows the Et misericordia/Fecit potentiam, set as a two-sided contrasting unit, with a pensive first half, and an intense fugal second section. Esurientes follows, set exclusively for solo soprano. With Sicut locutus est, the choir is brought back, making way for the glorious entrance of the solo baritone in Lord, now dismiss your servant. At the end of the solo, an orchestral crescendo leads to the re-entry of the chorus for the final peroration of the composition: Gloria Patri. The two soloists join in that exultant conclusion as the opening joyous theme is sounded anew.