Maida Vale Service (Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis)
07:40 duration|Composed in 2021|Published by RSCM|Difficulty: Intermediate|First performed: May 2021
Maida Vale Service was written for the BBC Singers. The first performance was broadcast on BBC Radio 3 in May 2021. The conductor was Joseph McHardy and the organist Rachel Mahon.
In this accessible setting, my love of Anglican church music and jazz harmony come together. The Magnificat starts with the sopranos or trebles, to match the innocence of the Virgin Mary, and the Nunc Dimittis starts with a Tenor solo, reflecting the aged Simeon as he approaches the end of his life.
Despite a lightning-fast six-day commission window, this debut Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis resonated immediately with the performers. Following its BBC Radio 3 broadcast, I was thrilled when Anna Lapwood acquired the score to perform it with the Choirs of Pembroke College, Cambridge. It has since found a permanent home in the Royal School of Church Music’s catalogue.
Maida Vale Service – sung by the BBC Singers
Text
My soul doth magnify the Lord:
and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his hand-maiden.
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.
Luke 1: 46-55
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.
Luke 2: 29-32
