'Pärt's composition appears functional, plain, without intellectual secret-mongering. It is built upon single intervals, triads and little rhythm games as well as upon medieval patterns. These Magnificat-Antiphones reveal their sensual charms in a way of loveable simplicity that was presented adequately.' (Martina Helmig about the premiere, Berliner Morgenpost, October 13th, 1988)

The Seven Magnificat-Antiphones were composed in 1988 by commission of the Rias chamber choir in Berlin in celebration of their 40th anniversary and count as one of the few contemporary settings of the vesper.

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