Magnificat (Penderecki)

Magnificat
by Krzysztof Penderecki
The composer in 2008
Occasion1200th anniversary of the Salzburg Cathedral
TextMagnificat
LanguageLatin
Composed1973 (1973)–74
Performed17 August 1974 (1974-08-17)
Scoring
  • bass
  • vocal ensemble of seven men's voices
  • two mixed choirs of 24 voices each
  • boys' voices
  • orchestra

Krzysztof Penderecki's setting of the biblical canticle Magnificat was commissioned for the 1,200th anniversary of Salzburg Cathedral and premiered there on 17 August 1974 under the composer's baton. It is a vast work, being scored for bass vocal soloist, boys’ voices, seven other men’s voices, two 24-part mixed choirs and orchestra.