About the piece
The Canticle of the Virgin (“Magnificat anima mea Dominum”) using the technique of alternating plainchant and polyphony. The edition, 156 measures long, carries a cantor (the plainchant line), soprano, two altos, tenor and bass.
How to prepare it
This is an advanced work because of its length and the demand on stamina: sopranos D4–E♭5 (a minor ninth), altos B♭3–B♭4 (an octave), tenors E♭3–G4 (a major tenth) and basses A♭2–C4 (a major tenth). Rehearse by verses: the cantor's, with the Latin spoken and a free rhythm; the polyphonic ones, with entrances by imitation. The main work is to keep the tuning throughout the whole piece, without the pitch sagging.
When to use it
Sung at Vespers, on feasts of the Virgin and during Advent.