TWO RELIGIOUS SONGS DEDICATED TO THE VIRGIN MARIA, COMPOSED BY TWO COMPOSERS FROM CLUJ: VIRGO, STAR AMONG VIRGINS) - MUSIC BY ȘERBAN MARCU, AND HYMN OF THE ANGELS - MUSIC BY CRISTIAN BENCE-MUK

Abstract

This study represents a continuation of a previous study about the musical activity of the nuns from the Congregation of the Mother of God in Cluj-Napoca. The special quality of this activity is also reflected in the collaboration with two of the young musicians from the Gheorghe Dima Academy of Music, who composed several religious songs specially dedicated to the Congregation's choir on the occasion of celebrating its centenary. In the present paper, we will present aspects of the biographies and creations of the two composers, testimonies of the conception, the way of working and the approach to certain problems that they faced during the process of completing these compositions created on request. From the album titled Chants dedicated to the Most Holy Mother totaling 14 songs, we focused our attention on two songs composed by two composers from Cluj: Fecioară, Stea entre fecioare (Virgo, Star among virgins) - music by Șerban Marcu, and Imnul ingerilor ( Hymn of the angels)- music by Cristian Bence-Muk. In conclusion we will present the musical and spiritual purpose and significance of these songs in the current social context.