El Magnificat BWV 243 de Johann Sebastian Bach i el Magnificat HARWV 43 de Gottlob Harrer: dues propostes compositives

Authors

  • Jordi Rifé i Santaló

Abstract

The second version of Bach's Magnificat was presumably performed in Dresden in July 1733 and in this paper it is conjectured that Harrer's Magnificat was interpreted in Warsaw in 1734, both in court liturgical ceremonies. This temporary and territorial proximity serves as the basis for establishing the comparison between the two works. It may benoted, moreover, that Harrer succeeded Bach as the head of the Thomaskirche in Leipzig in 1750. Comparison is used as a method, analyzing sound, formal aspects and the music-text relationship of the Magnificats. Likewise, we show the difference in the proportions of the works, finding a greater wealth and more versatile timbre in Bach than in Harrer. This paper also discusses how tradition and innovation were coordinated at a time of aesthetic change and simultaneity of styles the Baroque and the Galant. Lastly, we conclude that the treatment of the two Magnificats is very different. The innovations of Bach are made patent with respect to Harrer, who is more closely linked to the Baroque tradition of polychorality.

Published

2021-01-18

Issue

Section

Articles