Composer

:

Bernard Rose

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Average_duration

:

6:13

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Bernard Rose's Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis is a choral work that was composed in 1957. It was premiered on May 12, 1957, at Magdalen College, Oxford, by the college choir. The work is divided into two movements, the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis, which are both based on biblical texts. The Magnificat is a setting of the Song of Mary, which is found in the Gospel of Luke. The text is a hymn of praise that Mary sings after she learns that she will give birth to Jesus. Rose's setting of the Magnificat is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and soaring melodies. The choir sings in unison at the beginning of the movement, but the texture gradually becomes more complex as the piece progresses. The climax of the Magnificat is a powerful section in which the choir sings "He hath put down the mighty from their seat" with great intensity. The Nunc Dimittis is a setting of the Song of Simeon, which is also found in the Gospel of Luke. The text is a hymn of praise that Simeon sings when he sees the infant Jesus in the temple. Rose's setting of the Nunc Dimittis is more subdued than the Magnificat, but it is still characterized by its rich harmonies and soaring melodies. The choir sings in unison at the beginning of the movement, but the texture gradually becomes more complex as the piece progresses. The climax of the Nunc Dimittis is a powerful section in which the choir sings "A light to lighten the Gentiles" with great intensity. Overall, Rose's Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis is a beautiful and powerful choral work that showcases the composer's skill at writing for voices. The work is characterized by its rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and powerful climaxes, and it remains a popular choice for choirs around the world.

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