- Date: 191
- Composer: André Caplet
- Period: Modern (1910-1949)
Review
Caplet's setting of the "Salutation angélique" (The Angelical Salutation), of approximately 1 1/2 minutes duration, for soprano, harp and string quartet is the second piece in the song cycle "Les priéres" (The Prayers) created while the composer was serving at the front during the outbreak of the Great War.Mixolydian mode chords played in block harmony by the strings and harp introduce this song, which modulates from a gentle to declamatory recitative style with an elasticity of rhythm that perfectly accentuates the meaning of the lines.
The initial words, "Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee", are accompanied by the opening instrumental chords that in a few measures have established an ancient and peaceful atmosphere.
A somewhat coquettish, Satie-like melody sets the end of the next line "Blessed art thou among women", essentially an arpeggiated major chord.
"And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus" is set to the initial chords but the end of the line "... est béni" (is blessed) ascends on a beautiful chord outside the mode.
The declamatory next lines "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us ..." quickly change to a very humble prayer by the end "... sinners."
An eerie Gesualdo-type progression played slowly accompanies "Now and at the hour of our death".
The initial three chords illuminate the final "Ainsi soit-il" (so be it). ~ "Blue" Gene Tyranny, All Music Guide
Albums with Complete Performances of the Work
| Title | Date |
| Songs Of André Caplet | 1994 |
