Magnificat BR-CPEB E 4, Wq 215

Scoring: Soli SATB, Coro SATB, 2 Fl, 2 Ob, Fg, 2 Cor, 2 Vl, Va, Bc, [3 Tr, Timp]

With his first major vocal work, his Magnificat of 1749, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach created a magnificent and forward-looking setting of this well-known text, a work quite unrivalled for its time. In the choral writing, CPE Bach used a quite different style from the predominantly homophonic style of some of his later works. Unusual harmonic turns and independent part-writing in the fugal movements and elsewhere result in demanding, yet attractive parts for choral singers.

The Carus Choir Coach offers choir singers the unique opportunity to study and learn their own, individual choral parts within the context of the sound of the entire choir and orchestra. For every vocal range a separate CD containing each choir part is available. The CD is based on recorded interpretations by renowned artists who have performed the work from carefully prepared Carus Urtext editions. Each choir part is presented in three different versions:

• Original recording
• Coach: each part is accompanied by the piano, with the original recording sounding in the background
• Coach in slow mode: the tempo of the coach slows down to 70% of the original version – through this reduction passages can be learned more effectively.