LM5037
Nunc Dimittis
Music: Lisa Mears, Words: Book of Common Prayer
Voicing: SATB
Performance time approx: 1m 15s
Range S: d' – g'' / A: a – c'' / T: f – f#' / B: F – g
Price code: B
Complexity:
The Nunc Dimittis or Canticle of Simeon is a text based on a passage in Luke’s gospel about the visit of Simeon, an old and devout man, to the infant Jesus. Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah – and he recognises Jesus as the saviour he has been waiting for. The text is often used at the close of a religious service, particularly in the evening. Lisa Mears has written a spacious and homophonic setting that will suit many church choirs, based on the version of the text first published in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart inpeace according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
Luke 2 vv29-32, as rendered in The Book of Common Prayer (1662)