Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1957

Average_duration

:

8:37

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Herbert Howells' Evening Canticles for St. John's College, Cambridge, is a choral work that was composed in 1955. It was premiered on May 28, 1955, at St. John's College Chapel in Cambridge, England. The piece is divided into two movements, Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, and is written for a four-part choir with organ accompaniment. The Magnificat, the first movement, is a setting of the Song of Mary from the Gospel of Luke. It begins with a gentle organ introduction, followed by the choir's entrance with the words "My soul doth magnify the Lord." The music is characterized by its rich harmonies and soaring melodies, which reflect the joy and exaltation of Mary's words. The choir alternates between singing in unison and in four-part harmony, creating a sense of unity and diversity. The Nunc Dimittis, the second movement, is a setting of the Song of Simeon from the Gospel of Luke. It begins with a quiet organ introduction, followed by the choir's entrance with the words "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." The music is characterized by its gentle, flowing melodies and lush harmonies, which reflect the peacefulness and resignation of Simeon's words. The choir sings in four-part harmony throughout the movement, creating a sense of unity and serenity. Overall, Howells' Evening Canticles for St. John's College, Cambridge, is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases the composer's mastery of harmony and melody. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and sense of unity and diversity, making it a beloved work in the choral repertoire.

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