for contralto (mezzo-soprano) solo, female chorus, and flute and piano (or orchestra). This is an unusual setting of the text, in that after an ethereal opening, a contralto/mezzo-soprano soloist sings the Magnificat text while the female chorus interpolates with other texts in praise of the Virgin Mary. The contrast between the rhapsodic lines of the soloist and the more reflective emotions of the chorus result in a moving work. This version is accompanied by solo flute and piano. Orchestral ma