Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Magnificat

Compose Date

:

1945

Average_duration

:

2:51

Arnold Bax's 'Nunc Dimittis' is a choral work that was composed in 1915. It was premiered on 22nd February 1916 at the Queen's Hall in London, conducted by Sir Henry Wood. The piece is a setting of the Latin text of the Canticle of Simeon, which is traditionally sung at the end of the day in the Christian liturgy. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and musical style. The first movement is marked 'Andante moderato' and is characterized by a sense of calm and serenity. The choral writing is mostly homophonic, with occasional moments of polyphony, and the harmonies are mostly diatonic. The second movement is marked 'Allegro moderato' and is more energetic and rhythmic than the first. The choral writing is more complex, with frequent changes of texture and harmony, and the use of chromaticism adds a sense of tension and drama to the music. The final movement is marked 'Andante tranquillo' and returns to the calm and serene mood of the first. The choral writing is mostly homophonic, with occasional moments of polyphony, and the harmonies are mostly diatonic. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful cadence, bringing the work to a gentle close. Overall, 'Nunc Dimittis' is a beautiful and expressive choral work that showcases Bax's skill as a composer. The use of different moods and musical styles in each movement adds variety and interest to the piece, while the setting of the Latin text gives the music a timeless and universal quality.

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