Nunc Dimittis
- Version for orchestra (2001)1962 Book of Common Prayer (E)
1.picc.1.corA.2.2-4.3.3.1-timp.perc(2):vib/glsp/t.bells/tam-t/susp.cym/BD-harp-
organ(ad lib)-strings
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
Choral level of difficulty: 2-3 (5 greatest)
MacMillan’s large-scale festival setting of the Nunc Dimittis, commissioned by Winchester Cathedral, can be performed with organ or orchestra. The choral style is simple and often homophonic - unusual for the composer. Much of the elaboration of the textual imagery occurs in the introspective, Messiaen-tinged non-choral episodes, evoking evening and birdsong. The Nunc Dimittis starts wonderfully with very low bass notes portraying the elderly Simeon. It builds to a huge and exciting climax and ends with the basses’ low notes once more.
Repertoire note by Paul Spicer
BBC Singers/BBC Philharmonic/James MacMillan
Chandos CHAN9997
