Litany of Loreto

A litany is a responsorial prayer. Invocations and uniform petitions alternate as acclamations. Only since the 16th century many litanies developed especially in the context of popular and Marian devoutness. The Litany of Loreto is said to be sung first at Loreto. It has three parts. In the Kyrie the trinity is praised. In the middle part various acclamations on Mary follow. The Agnus Dei ends this litany.

The Litany of Loreto I of Opus V is divided in several movements like a cantata. The frame sections are independent movements. The instrumenation with wind instruments and timpani in the tutti passages underlines the solemn character.

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