Read about the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, or go directly to the music.
The service of Evensong is a beautiful and moving service of music and prayer. Two of the canticles sung at this service are the Magnificat (The Song of Mary) and the Nunc Dimittis (The Song of Simeon).
The Magnificat is Mary's expression of joy to God for being chosen to bear the Son of God. The text is from Luke 1:46-55:
My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the lowliness of his hand-maiden.
For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations.
He hath showed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen hos servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed for ever.
The Nunc Dimittis is the song of Simeon. Simeon was not allowed to die until he had seen the Christ child, "And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Chirst" (Luke 2:26). The text of Simeon's Song is from Luke 2:29-32:
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart on peace according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
Both canticles end with the Gloria Patri, that is:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
On the next page, you can hear my settings of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. I hope you find the music a blessing.