Magnificat in D major, BWV 243: Study score

Bach composed the first version of this piece in 1723 using the key of E-flat major for the Christmas Vespers in Leipzig which contained several Christmas texts. Over the years he removed the Christmas-specific texts to make it suitable for year-round performance and transposed it to D major, providing better sonority for the three trumpets. This version, first performed in a 1733 concert for the Feast of the Visitation, is the standard version of the work encountered today. The Magnificat is divided into twelve parts which can be grouped into three movements, each beginning with an aria and completed by the choir. The four movements from the original version have been transposed to D major and inserted in their original order for those wishing to have the omitted Christmas texts. This new study score prepared by Richard W. Sargeant Jr., based upon the manuscripts and other primary sources, is a must for those who want to appreciate the beauty of one of Bach's most enduring masterworks.

1. Magnificat anima mea (Coro)
2. Et exultavit (Aria)
3. Quia respexit (Aria)
4. Omnes generationes (Coro)
5. Quia fecit mihi magna (Aria)
6. Et misericordia (Duetto)
7. Fecit potentiam (Coro)
8. Deposuit (Aria)
9. Esurientes (Aria)
10. Suscepit Israel (Terzetto)
11. Sicut locutus (Coro)
12. Gloria Patri (Coro)

SSATB soli, chorus / Orchestra (2, 2+2 obd'a, 0, 2 - 0, 3, 0, 0 - timp, org, strs, bc) ; ISMN: 979-0-58042-113-5