… Read Full Bio ↴There are two orchestras named The National Philharmonic Orchestra.
(1) The National Philharmonic Orchestra is a British orchestra created exclusively for recording purposes. It was founded by RCA producer Charles Gerhardt and orchestra leader Sidney Sax due in part to the requirements of the Reader's Digest recording project.
Before settling on this name, the orchestra began operation in 1964 using a variety of names including RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra and the London Promenade (the latter consisting largely of London Philharmonic Orchestra personnel). It was incorporated as the National Philharmonic Orchestra in 1970. Musicians from London’s huge talent pool were contracted by Gerhardt and Sax. The orchestra ceased to be an exclusive RCA recording organization at the same time that Gerhardt replaced Sax as the concertmaster. Decca Records began using the orchestra in March 1974. This was for a Phase 4 Stereo recording of the Yellow River Piano Concerto conducted by Elgar Howarth. Columbia Records began using the orchestra in 1975.
Such conductors as Leopold Stokowski, Richard Bonynge, and Charles Gerhardt made recordings with it. Bonynge recorded all three of Tchaikovsky's ballets with it for Decca, and Gerhardt made a series of stereo recordings of Hollywood film music with it for RCA Victor. The orchestra has been featured on the soundtrack of many films, and, with Kenneth Schermerhorn conducting, it was also heard on the soundtrack of Baryshnikov's production The Nutcracker, a staging of Tchaikovsky's ballet which became a television classic, after being presented live onstage. The orchestra also provided the music for the stage production.
(2) The National Philharmonic Orchestra, based in Washington, D.C., was founded and conducted by Piotr Gajewski, and is currently in residence at the Music Center at Strathmore (Maryland). It was formerly known as the National Chamber Orchestra.
Prelude
National Philharmonic Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gratia plena
Maria
Gratia plena
Maria
Gratia plena
Ave, Ave Dominus
Dominus Tecum
Et benedictus
Benedictus fructus
Ventristui, Jesus
Ave Maria
The lyrics of the National Philharmonic Orchestra's "Prelude" are a Latin rendition of the Catholic prayer "Ave Maria". The prayer begins with "Ave Maria", which translates to "Hail Mary" in English, and then continues with "Gratia plena, Maria", meaning "full of grace, Mary". The repetition of "Maria, Gratia plena" emphasizes the importance of Mary's grace. The next line "Ave, Ave Dominus" means "Hail, Hail Lord" which acknowledges the divine role of Jesus Christ.
The prayer continues with "Dominus Tecum", meaning "the Lord is with you", which is a testament to Mary's faith and relationship with God. The following line, "Benedicta tu in mulieribus", means "blessed are you among women". This line distills the essence of the prayer, acknowledging Mary as the most blessed and favored among all women. The final line "Et benedictus fructus Ventris tui, Jesus" means "and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus". This completes the prayer by recognizing Jesus as the ultimate manifestation of love, grace, and redemption through Mary.
The "Prelude" itself is a musical composition that blends the ethereal and emotive beauty of vocal and orchestral music. It serves as an introduction to the prayer, reflecting the divine majesty and purity of the Virgin Mary. The composition incorporates classical baroque style, with layered and complex orchestration that builds to an emotional climax before fading away with a gentle reprise.
Line by Line Meaning
Ave Maria
Hail Mary, a greeting to the Virgin Mary.
Gratia plena
Full of grace, acknowledgement of Mary's divine favor.
Maria
Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Gratia plena
Full of grace, acknowledgement of Mary's divine favor.
Maria
Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Gratia plena
Full of grace, acknowledgement of Mary's divine favor.
Ave, Ave Dominus
Hail, Hail Lord. A salutation to Jesus Christ.
Dominus Tecum
The Lord is with you, an affirmation of God's presence with Mary.
Benedicta tu imulieribus
Blessed are you among women, recognizing Mary's place in history.
Et benedictus
And blessed, praise for the divine blessing of Mary.
Benedictus fructus
Blessed is the fruit, acknowledging Jesus as the blessed child of Mary.
Ventristui, Jesus
Of thy womb, Jesus, recognizing Mary's role as the mother of Christ.
Ave Maria
Hail Mary, closing salutation to the Virgin Mary.
Lyrics © Public Domain
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