Nunc Dimittis

Description

Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass — Nunc dimittis, also known as Simeon's canticle, is taken from the New Testament (Luke II, 29-32); it is a short paean which Simeon took up when, as promised by the Holy Spirit, he was allowed to see the Messiah in the temple of Jerusalem before his demise. Part set the Nunc dimittis for a cappella chorus on commission from St. Mary's Cathedral, which has one of Scotland's great church choirs. Along with the Magnificat, Nunc dimittis is at the centre of the Anglican Mass, the Evensong, and it is a component of many vesper services.