Vesperae solennes de Dominica

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Vesperae solennes de Dominica, K. 321, is a sacred choral composition, written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1779. It is scored for SATB choir and soloists, violin I and II, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones colla parte, 2 timpani, and basso continuo (bassoon and organ).

Vesperae solennes de Dominica
Solemn Vespers by W. A. Mozart
Page 1 of the autograph:, Dixit dominus
CatalogueK. 321
Text
LanguageLatin
Composed1779 (1779): Salzburg
Movements6
VocalSATB choir and soloists
Instrumental
  • brass and timpani
  • violins
  • continuo

It was composed in Salzburg at the request of the Archbishop Colloredo for liturgical use in the city's cathedral. The title "de Dominica" signifies its use in Sunday services.[1] In 1780, Mozart composed another setting of Solemn Vespers, the Vesperae solennes de confessore, which shares many musical similarities with this work.

Structure

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The setting is divided into six movements, including five psalms and a setting of the Magnificat. A setting of the Minor Doxology (Gloria Patri) concludes all movements, each recapitulating the opening theme. The first three psalms are scored in a vigorous, exuberant manner, contrasting with the strict counterpoint of the a cappella Laudate pueri. The Laudate Dominum is set as an extended aria for the soprano soloist with obbligato organ, while the Magnificat opens with a majestic, moderate tempo, only to return to the bolder tempo of the first three psalms.[2]

  1. Dixit Allegro vivace, C major,  
  2. Confitebor Allegro, E minor, 3
    4
  3. Beatus vir Allegro, B major,  
  4. Laudate pueri F major,  
  5. Laudate Dominum Allegro, A major, 3
    4
  6. Magnificat Adagio maestoso, C major,  
    "Et exultavit" Allegro, C major,  

References

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  1. ^ Robert Gutnam (2011). Mozart. Random House. ISBN 9781446477076. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  2. ^ Alfred Einstein, Arthur Mendel (1945). Mozart: His Character, His Work. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195007329. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
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