Magnificat (Schubert)

The Magnificat in C major, 486, is a musical setting of the hymn composed by Franz Schubert in 1816. It is scored for SATB soloists, mixed choir, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 2 trumpets, violin I and II, viola, timpani and basso continuo (cello, double bass and organ).
The autograph score is dated 25 September 1816, and was likely to have been composed for vespers at the Lichtental Church. This composition is Schubert's only setting of the .
The work is divided into three distinct movements, forming a musical triptych. This is a typical format found in Schubert's sacred music. Performances require approximately 10 minutes.
Schubert used a shortened version of the hymn, omitting the lines ' to '. He also changed the line ' ("For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed") to ' ("For behold, from henceforth all nations shall call me blessed").