Composer

:

Charles Wood

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Average_duration

:

3:15

Charles Wood's 'Nunc Dimittis in E flat No. 2' is a choral work that was composed in 1915. It was premiered in the same year at the Festival of the Church Music Association in London. The piece is written for four-part choir and organ accompaniment. The 'Nunc Dimittis' is a canticle from the Gospel of Luke, which is traditionally sung at the end of the day in Christian liturgy. Wood's setting of the text is in the key of E flat major and is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a gentle organ introduction, which is followed by the choir singing the first verse of the canticle. The music is characterized by its flowing melody and rich harmonies, which create a sense of peace and tranquility. The second movement is more dramatic and features a more complex choral texture. The choir sings the second verse of the canticle, which speaks of the light that has come into the world. The music is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and urgency. The final movement returns to the peaceful mood of the first movement. The choir sings the final verse of the canticle, which speaks of the peace that comes with death. The music is characterized by its use of simple harmonies and a gentle melody, which create a sense of calm and serenity. Overall, Wood's 'Nunc Dimittis in E flat No. 2' is a beautiful and moving choral work that captures the essence of the text it sets. Its rich harmonies, flowing melodies, and dramatic contrasts make it a masterpiece of English choral music.

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