Example 6: Nunc dimittis (Byrd)

Words: Luke 2:29-32 (KJV), with Gloria Patri. Order of Compline, The Book of Common Prayer…Proposed in 1928, Church of England.
Music: William Byrd (ca. 1540-1623), setting of the canticle Magnificat in Tonus Peregrinus (ninth psalm tone), adapted by Carl Crosier (b. 1945).
Recording: The Compline Choir, live broadcast , 19 Dec 2010.


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.

Back: Example 5: If we could shut the gate (Hallock)Next: Example 7: Nunc dimittis (Tallis)

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