Description
In the heart of Bach's monumental Magnificat lies a moment of such profound intimacy that time itself seems to stand still. "Quia respexit humilitatem" is the only movement where Bach marked the tempo himself: Adagio. A sacred pause amid the brilliance. A moment when the grandeur gives way to something more vulnerable, more human.
What makes this movement extraordinary is what Bach dares to take away. The first movement explodes with full Baroque orchestra, trumpets blazing. But here, Bach strips everything down to its essence: a single soprano voice, a lone oboe d'amore, and basso continuo. In this beautiful emptiness, we are invited into Mary's inner world—a space of wonder, humility, and quiet awe.
The German musicologist Philipp Spitta wrote in 1873 that "scarcely ever has the idea of virgin purity, simplicity, and humble happiness found more perfect expression than in this German picture of the Madonna, translated into musical language." The shift into minor tonality, the melancholy voice of the oboe d'amore, the downward-flowing melodic lines—every element conspires to paint humility itself in sound.
Humility is a downward gesture, and Bach composes it with heartbreaking literalness. The melodic lines trace long, S-shaped curves that descend like someone bowing their head in reverence, in acceptance, in grace. The single wind instrument gives the movement an almost subservient tenderness, perfectly embodying Mary's words about being looked upon in her lowliness.
The soprano and oboe d'amore don't merely accompany each other—they breathe together in what conductor Michael Steinberg calls a "contemplative duet." Then something shifts. On the words "ecce enim ex hoc beatam"—from this day forward all generations will call me blessed—the vocal line transforms. Mary is no longer simply reflecting; she's proclaiming a truth that will echo through eternity.
And then comes Bach's most breathtaking stroke. The soprano's final measure is simultaneously the first measure of "Omnes generationes." No caesura, no pause, no breath. In an instant, Bach launches us from the deepest depths of intimate humility into an explosive choral celebration. From one lowly handmaiden to all of humanity. From whisper to thunder. From solitude to eternity. Without breaking stride.
This is where Bach shows us something essential: that the most profound power often speaks in the softest voice. When everything else falls away—the trumpets, the full chorus, all the grandeur—what remains is this: a single human voice, a single instrument, and a moment of pure, distilled beauty that has moved listeners to tears for three centuries.
solo sopran: Mojca Bitenc Križaj
Mojca Bitenc Križaj is an absolutely breathtaking European soprano and celebrated soloist of the SNG Opera and Ballet Ljubljana, mesmerizing audiences worldwide with her utterly spellbinding voice and unparalleled virtuosity. This phenomenal artist triumphantly completed her master's degree with the highest honors summa cum laude and received the prestigious Prešeren Student Award.
Her spectacular career includes unforgettable performances at the world's most renowned festivals, from the magnificent Bregenz Festival before seven thousand awestruck spectators to illustrious stages across Europe. She collaborates with legendary orchestras including the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Slovenian Philharmonic, and Budapest Opera Orchestra and others. The incredible story becomes even more astonishing knowing she is also a qualified medical doctor who courageously followed her heart's deepest passion! Her voice is pure, intoxicating magic that absolutely no one can resist – a divine gift that touches souls!
FULL PERFORMANCE CREDITS
Musical Direction
Conductor: SEBASTJAN VRHOVNIK
Orchestra & Choir
Carinthian Baroque Orchestra
Concertmaster: THOMAS FHEODOROFF
Glasbena Matica Musical Society Choir
Choir Assistants
Choirmaster: TANJA RUPNIK
Pianist: ALINA KOLOMIETS
Production Team
Set Design: TATJANA KORTNIK
Floral Design: ALEŠ FORJANIČ
Scenography Assistant: GAŠPER POLAJŽER
Camera Team
ROK MISSON
GAŠPER GORENAK
ALEN HOČEVAR
TEVŽ SMOLNIKAR
MATEVŽ DERMOTA
LUKA BAVDAŽ
MAK DETELA
KAMERMANI PRODUKCIJE TAJUS
Cable Cam: TINE LENART (Aircam.si)
Dolly: ALJAŽ ŽAVRLAN
Audio
Sound Engineer: DANILO ŽENKO
Mastering: IZTOK ZUPAN
Catering
GA-TERING, Gašper Hočevar s.p
Technical Crew
JANEZ DRAKSLER
NIK PLEVANČ
ANŽE TEŠAR KMETEC
DAVID ZAVRL
LOVRO BAKONIĆ
MAKS RUPNIK
MARK BERNARD
MATIJA REPINC
TOR ŽERJAV
ALJAŽ MAGDIČ
MATEVŽ DERMOTA
TEVŽ SMOLNIKAR
LUKA BAVDAŽ
MAK DETELA
TINA ERŽEN MILIČIĆ
ANA GRGIĆ
Production Assistants
DAN AŽMAN
GAL NAGODE
JUŠ HRASTNIK
Co-production
EGSŠ RADOVLJICA
Director: KSENIJA LIPOVŠČEK
Special Thanks
SLOVENSKA FILHARMONIJA
Director: MATEJ ŠARC
MESTNA OBČINA LJUBLJANA
Mayor: ZORAN JANKOVIĆ
Production
Producers: JUŠ HRASTNIK, GAL NAGODE PRIMOŽ ZEVNIK
Direction: PRIMOŽ ZEVNIK
Production Companies
© TAJUS PRODUKCIJA © PPZ
All rights reserved.