| Online and in-person Magnificat, attributed to Pergolesi and presented by the Unicantors with guest instrumentalists and soloists Our theme for December is wonder, and we begin the month with a musical setting of a classic story from the Christian narrative. When Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she had been chosen to bear a son, she could hardly believe it. As recorded in the Latin version of the Christian scriptures, Mary responded to this news by saying, “Magnificat anima mea dominum,” or in the traditional English translation, “My soul doth magnify the Lord.” She responded with awe and wonder to this news, as we, too, are moved by the wonder of the miracle of birth whenever a child is born. As Sophia Lyon Fahs put it, “Every night a child is born is a holy night,” and indeed, it is so. Many composers have set Mary’s response to music over the centuries. The version we will present in worship this Sunday has been attributed to Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736), although some musicologists attribute the work to Pergolesi’s teacher, Francesco Durante (1684-1744). Whoever wrote it, the music is delightful, and our presentation of it will be greatly enriched by the guest musicians who will join the Unicantors for this special Sunday of music. We hope you will join us! |