Atlanta Composer Takes Southern Twist On ‘Magnificat’ Hymn
Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor will sing the part of Mary for the premiere of ASO bassist and composer Michael Kurth’s “Maginificat.”
JOHN FULTON/DOARIO ACOSTA
Hot on the heels of his recent premiere of “A Thousand Words” at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta composer and ASO bassist Michael Kurth is debuting a new piece.
It is a choral work that uses the canticle of Mary, or the “Magnificat,” as its text. The “Magnificat” is one of the oldest Christian hymns; it comprises Mary’s prayer after she learns of what is to come from the angel Gabriel.
With the piece, Kurth joins hundreds of composers who have incorporated this text into their work, including Bruckner, Vivaldi, Monteverdi and most notably Bach.
His “Magnificat,” though, has a modern twist. He incorporated local poet Jesse Breite’s interpretation of the “Magnificat,” which is set in a rural Southern vernacular. Kurth uses that text for Mary’s voice in the choral work, while the chorus sings the Latin text. The voices are joined by an orchestra ensemble made up of ASO members and other musicians.
Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor will sing Mary at the premiere. She said she was drawn to the piece because of Mary’s universality.
“I think people always relate to these stories and tales and that it will always be relevant,” O’Connor said. She said she loves being part of world premieres.
Kurth was also drawn to the “Magnificat” because of what Mary represents.
“She’s this role model for not just women, but people,” he said. “Mary was probably poorly educated, poor, a teenager in the Middle East, under all sorts of societal pressure, yet she held her head up in dignity.”
Kurth’s “Magnificat” premiers this Sunday at 7 p.m. at Peachtree Presbyterian Church. The concert will also include works by local composers Juan Ramirez, Rob Cronin, Eric Nelson, Juan Ramirez and Andrew Bayles. Local actor Tom Key will also read some of Jesse Breite’s poetry during the performance.
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