Composer

:

Charles Wood

Style

:

Magnificat

Average_duration

:

3:55

Charles Wood's 'Nunc Dimittis (Collegium Regale)' is a choral composition that was written in 1915. It was first performed in King's College Chapel, Cambridge, on 2 February 1915, during the evening service of Candlemas. The piece is part of a larger work called 'Evening Service in F', which also includes a setting of the Magnificat. The 'Nunc Dimittis (Collegium Regale)' is a setting of the Canticle of Simeon, which is traditionally sung at the end of the evening service of Compline. The piece is written for four-part choir (SATB) and is characterized by its simple yet powerful harmonies and its use of traditional Anglican chant. The composition is divided into three movements. The first movement begins with a solo tenor singing the opening words of the Canticle, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." The choir then joins in, singing the same words in unison. The movement builds in intensity as the choir repeats the phrase, "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation," with increasing fervor. The second movement is a setting of the Gloria Patri, which is sung in response to the Canticle. The choir sings the words, "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost," in a simple yet majestic melody. The final movement returns to the Canticle, with the choir singing the words, "As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen." The piece ends with a quiet and peaceful resolution, as the choir sings the final words, "world without end," in a gentle and serene manner. Overall, Charles Wood's 'Nunc Dimittis (Collegium Regale)' is a beautiful and moving choral composition that captures the essence of the traditional Anglican choral tradition. Its simple yet powerful harmonies and its use of traditional chant make it a timeless piece that continues to be performed and enjoyed by choirs around the world.

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