Vesperae solennes de Dominica

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

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, common time
  2. Confitebor Allegro, E minor, 3/4
  3. Beatus vir Allegro, B-flat major, common time
  4. Laudate pueri F major, cut common time
  5. Laudate Dominum Allegro, A major, 3/4
  6. Magnificat Adagio maestoso, C major, common time
    "Et exultavit" Allegro, C major, common time

References
  1. Robert Gutnam (2011). Mozart. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  2. Alfred Einstein, Arthur Mendel (1945). Mozart: His Character, His Work. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
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