St Nicolas Canticles
Soprano, alto and baritone with piano/organ
Sacred choral Nunc Dimittis for the Anglican service of Evening Prayer. Would also suit Catholic worship services.
The St Nicolas Canticles are two interconnected but separate choral works for worship referred to by their Latin names, the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, with texts from the King James version of the Gospel of Luke. They have been set by hundreds of composers over time and this is Llewellyn’s 21st century adaptation on the classical Biblical text.
The Nunc Dimittis is a lullaby for the end of the worship service with text spoken by Simeon after he had been presented with baby Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem. It is the gentlest of all Llewellyn’s pieces, set in C major, a quietly affirmation of faith and joy. The title refers to ‘now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace.’
Written in 2020 when singing has become a dangerous and often banned activity because of Covid-19, this sacred cycle proclaims the essential timeless beauty and solace of sacred music. The Nunc Dimittis is 2:40 long. Together with the Magnificat, the cycle is 7 minutes long.
It is suitable for a skilled SAB choir and piano accompanist. The Canticles were commissioned by Ewart Shaw for the Quire St Nicolas, an Anglican choir in Adelaide in which Ewart and Becky both sing.
Click on score to enlarge
Where to buy
The score Nunc Dimittis is normally available at the Australian Music Centre but it is closed because of the coronavirus outbreak. You can read more about Nunc Dimittis at:
You can purchase the music directly from Becky by emailing her: