Magnificat and Nunc dimittis
Grade 3-6 Children’s Choir (or ANY age choir) for two-part treble voices and organ
Text: Luke 1:46-55
Vocal Range: c to a flat’
Key: A flat major
Meter: 4/4
Description: Premiered by the Ely Girls’ Ghoir in March, 2012, the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis are welcome additions to our 2012-2013 Viva Voce curriculum. Beautifully composed by Sarah MacDonald, conductor of the Ely Girls’ Choir and Co,Ordinator of Organ Studies at Cambridge University, these settings are both inspirational and accessible.
Teaching Guide
- Teach the choristers to sing the melody on the syllable “lo,O” by intervals, using the piano only as a reference when needed.
- Teach the choristers to memorize the text.
- Teach the choristers to sing the melody sing the melody and words, learning to take pitch cues from the piano.
- Teach each phrase with text and melody (and harmony, when the second part is being sung) together, carefully tuning harmonic intervals between parts.
- Polish the anthem(s), emphasizing dynamics, expression and breath support.
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hat rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me and them that fear him throughout all generations.
He hath shewed 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 his servant Israel, as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed forever.
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.
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in 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.
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.