Dorian Service (Mag and Nunc)

Composer
Difficulty
Moderate radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_unchecked radio_button_unchecked
Voicing(s)
Instrumental Only?
No
Description

SATB and Organ (also may be performed a cappella). Tallis' Dorian Service is a gem of Renaissance art. It is in four parts with clear syllabic word-setting and represents the prototype of the early English anthem. This edition has been transposed up for modern choirs. A gorgeous setting of the evening canticles.

Editor’s notes:

  1. Tallis’ alto part is written in the tenor clef; here it is transposed into a typical treble clef for female altos. The whole is here transposed up a minor third.
  2. This keyboard part is essentially as given in the collected works of Tallis; it is not an exact keyboard reduction of the voice parts. It shows occasional rhythmic and notational differences from the voice parts, suggesting that performance with keyboard might have been expected. On a few occasions this edition adds notes to the keyboard part to reinforce the voice parts.
  3. Accidentals in parentheses above the staff (in the Nunc dimittis) indicate variant readings in some original sources.
Audio
Lyrics

My soul doth magnify the Lord : and my spirit hath 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 holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on 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 for ever.
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.