Magnificat

- Ronald A. Turner

PDF Sample

Use: General, Marian
Required Resources: SATB choir, organ
Language: English

This canticle was written by Ronald Turner when he served as Scholar-in-Residence at Saint Paul's Cathedral in London, England. The original was for two-part treble choir — it was later arranged by the composer for his SATB choir back in the United States.

With text from the Book of Common Prayer, this is a typical Anglo-Catholic anthem with big organ accompaniment and sturdy voice parts. Reflecting its SA origins, the music is often in two parts, tenors doubling sopranos, and basses doubling altos. This is a great technique, used by many composers (e.g. Vaughan Williams in "O How Amiable Are Thy Dwellings"), and produces a solid, secure sound.

This is definitely a festive setting of the Magnificat, the proper Gospel canticle for Vespers [Evening Prayer]. Impressive in effect, it is quite manageable by a competent parish choir and organist. The children's choir could join with the adult choir (there are places appropriate for treble voices in the anthem) to sing this canticle for a Solemn Vespers liturgy — perhaps for Christ the King (to close the Church year), Epiphany, Pentecost, the Parish Feast Day, or the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Church.