Nunc Dimittis Three Choirs

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis-Bob Chilcott's Three Choirs Service (Magnificat And Nunc Dimittis) for SATB and Organ.Commissioned by the 2015 Three Choirs Festival this is Chilcott's second setting of the Evening Canticles. Bright and rhythmical the Magnificat features syncopated chords in the Organ part that punctuate the more sustained choral textures. In contrast the Nunc dimittis is reflective opening with a soaring soprano melody and building towards an expressive climax on the word 'glory'. Ideal for church and cathedral choirs looking for something new for their evening service.

Herbert Sumsion (1899-1995) was a highly skilled organist and conductor who began his musical life as a chorister under Brewer at Gloucester. After Brewer’s death he returned as organist to Gloucester and spent nearly 40 years there. Through the Three Choirs Festival he built close and fruitful relationships with composers such as Elgar Vaughan Williams Holst Finzi and Howells. As one would expect from a cathedral musician of such standing Sumsion’s contribution to the Anglican repertoire was immense. While not as well-known as his Full-Choir setting his arrangement of the Magnificat And Nunc Dimittis In G for Boy’s Voicesis a valuable addition to any choir’s library. It is scored for two Soprano or Treble parts with an Organ accompaniment although the second voice part is optional.