Magnificat for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble

Composed by Bryan Scott Stanbridge

For:
Mezzo-soprano, flute, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, cello, bass and two percussion (vibraphone, bass drum, snare drum, two-octave crotales, suspended cymbal, mallets and bow)

The Magnificat for mezzo-soprano and chamber ensemble features an ensemble based loosely on Igor Stravinsky's ensemble used in L'Histoire du Soldat. The expanded ensemble allows for more color variations and a greater dynamic range.

The form used for the Magnificat is essentially through-composed. The piece begins with a pseudo-chant style and ends in a similar fashion. Between the two, different compositional styles are used, while still maintaining a harmonic and melodic (and orchestrational) language of the contemporary period. The styles explored are Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern.