Programme Notes

This Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis was the second piece I wrote in the set of compositions for the back row of Peterborough Cathedral. Unlike the responses, which are very quiet and intimate in character, this is much bolder.

The Magnificat drives forward with a nearly constant organ ostinato, and the changes in meter added to the syncopated slips of rhythm in the sung line make for an engaging piece.

In contrast, the Nunc Dimittis is slower, and starts in a rather subdued manner. However, it slowly grows in volume as the organ pedal descends in a scale. The organ then breaks out into a virtuosic solo before diminishing into the background for the gloria.