The Cradle of Prayer Canticle Tutorials
In chanting the rhythms of natural speech are essential. The notes of a chant tune have no time value of their own only the rhythm of the syllables. Listen to the cantor (singer) sing the verses, notice the strong and weak stress of syllables, and follow the line “|” which establishes the change of the notes in the melody.
Evening Prayer – Nunc Dimittis
“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace”. The Nunc Dimittis is the second of two canticles sung in each service of Evening Prayer. The words are as follows:
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace | according to thy word.
For mine eyes have see | 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.
The following canticles are from the “Hymnal 1940 Standard Harmony edition”:
Nunc Dimittis #668
Nunc Dimittis #669
Nunc Dimittis #670
Nunc Dimittis #671
The following canticles are from a traditional Anglican Book of chants:
Nunc Dimittis #64
Nunc Dimittis #93
