John Rutter’s Magnificat is a magnificent opus in a long line of works composed in this genre from the 15th to the 21st centuries. Inspiring to the composers are the lines of joy, praise and trust in God uttered by Virgin Mary when she learns that the Son of God is incarnate in her womb. Rendered according to the Gospel of Luke. ( 1:6-55) “And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.” This is one of the sacred texts most familiar and beloved by composers, not least because of its inclusion in the Catholic service of Vespers. In the Anglican Church it is an invariable Evensong, and is also used in services of the Lutheran German Church and in the Orthodox Church.
Rutter constructed his composition in seven movements for soprano soloist (or mezzo-soprano), mixed choir and orchestra (or chamber ensemble). Following the example of Johann Sebastian Bach, he moves towards a more extended form than the usual Magnificat model with additional texts. In the second movement he includes with the solo voice the fine 15th century Old English poem ‘Of a Rose, a lovely Rose’. A lovely allegory of the Virgin Mary, the holiest among women, turning into a rose bush. Five branches grow from it, representing the Annunciation, the Star of Bethlehem, the three Magi, the victory over Satan through the death of Christ, and heavenly salvation. In the last section of the work, Rutter encapsulates in the canonical Latin text the propitiatory prayer “Sancta Maria” (again with solo voice) and the “Sanctus” from the Gregorian “Missa cum jubilo”.
The composer reveals other inspirations. “In countries like Spain, Mexico and Puerto Rico, the Virgin Mary celebrations are a joyous occasion for people to take to the streets and celebrate with singing, dancing and processions. I believe these images of sacred outdoor fiestas were somewhere in my mind as I wrote the score.” The music is full of energetic, syncopated rhythms with a Latin-Iberian breeze and amazing melodies. They immediately grab the listener. Rutter is a great connoisseur of the human voice and the beautiful musical themes are sung with ease and pleasure by the singers. Together with the multi-coloured brilliant orchestration, which uses many wind instruments to complement the celebratory spirit of the music, they create the harmonious balance between uplifting intimacy and extrovertedness.
Written in just a few weeks in early 1990 and commissioned by the MidAmerica Productions concert association, Rutter’s Magnificat was first performed on May 26th of that same year at Carnegie Hall under the composer’s baton the soloist being Maria Alsatti, performed by the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra.