SSAATTBB + Soprano Solo from within choir

Difficulty Moderate/Advanced Duration c.5'

Score coming soon at Composers Edition

This Magnificat is written as a response to the Nunc Dimittis by Arvo Pärt .

It is intended as a partner piece, but where Pärt’s Nunc Dimittis is in C# minor this Magnificat is in Db Major. It opens with bare fifths in a similar way to the Nunc Dimittis but then develops the motif to create a fuller harmony in keeping with the more celebratory feel of the Magnificat. This motif is treated in a similar way to the opening of the Gloria in Pärt’s Nunc Dimittis.

The middle section combines the major tonic triad with a minor chord four and has different vocal groupings developing the harmony, another homage to Pärt. Chords are not always reliant on the tonic in the bass, which creates a constant sense of forward movement, despite the slow tempo.

Other influences include the fluidity of the rhythm, entirely driven by the words that gives rise to the ever shifting bar lengths indicated by the dotted bar lines, and the long sustained notes throughout.

Above all I hope it is enjoyable both to sing and to listen to and that it reflects something of the beauty and timelessness of Pärt’s music.