Five Vesper Psalms and a Magnificat by Pietro Paolo Bugeja (1772-1828)

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to provide a study and a critical edition of five psalms and a Magnificat by Pietro Paolo Bugeja. The study is divided into (i) an overview of the composer’s life, showing his contribution to the Maltese musical heritage; (ii) a brief study of Church music in Malta during the early nineteenth century; (iii) an analytical perspective of Pietro Paolo Bugeja’s style and compositional techniques, as seen in his five psalms and Magnificat; (iv) a critical edition, comprising a General Preface and Critical Notes, a computed transcription of the five psalms and Magnificat and a Critical Commentary; (v) Conclusion.