About the Piece

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Written for the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church of Denver Choir under the direction of Timothy J. Krueger. Dedicated to the memory of Fr. George P Magnuson.

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The Story

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In my early days as a staff singer at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Denver, I was introduced to the particularly beautiful service of Evensong. At the urging of a few of the other staff singers, I decided to write an Evensong Service for the church.

 

An interesting problem that writing an Evensong Service (a.k.a. "Mag & Nunc") presents is the lack of ability to develop multiple themes without composing a work that may run a tad too long for the service. So, I decided to also write a "Preces & Responses" as well as a "Canticle of Light," and an "Anthem." With all of this original composition covering almost the complete set of service music (minus a psalm and a hymn), I establish the musical ideas for the service in the "Preces," and then develop them as the service progresses. Using themes from popular hymns, service chants, and even favorite anthems/composers of St. Andrew's, I crafted a work that is personalized for their congregation but is still accessible and structured for any other Episcopal church holding an Evensong Service. The work is designed for as little as four singers (SATB) with an optional (but preferably a Cappella) organ part for all but the "Preces & Responses."

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Listen:

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See the Score:

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Text:

English

Poems by George Herbert, Book of Common Prayer

 

Invitatory: Preces

From the Book of Common Prayer

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(Cantor): O God, make speed to save us 

(Choir): O Lord, make haste to help us.

(Cantor): Glory be to the Father

(Choir): And to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

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Canticle of Light: Immortal Love, Immortal Heat

Adapted from "Love (I)," and "Love (II)" by George Herbert

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Immortal Love, author of this great frame, 

Sprung from that beauty which can never fade, 

How hath man parcel'd out Thy glorious name, 

And thrown it on that dust which Thou hast made, 

While mortal love doth all the title gain! 

Immortal Heat, O let Thy greater flame 

Attract the lesser to it; let those fires 

Which shall consume the world first make it tame, 

And kindle in our hearts such true desires. 

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Magnificat

From the Book of Common Prayer

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My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden. 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.

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Nunc Dimittis

From the Book of Common Prayer

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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.

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The Prayers and Suffrages

From the Book of Common Prayer

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(Cantor): The Lord be with you. 

(Choir): And with thy spirit.

(Cantor): Let us pray.

(Choir): Our father, who art in heaven...(etc) and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

(Cantor): O Lord, show thy mercy upon us; 

(Choir): And grant us thy salvation.

(Cantor): Endue thy ministers with righteousness; 

(Choir): And make thy chosen people joyful.

(Cantor): Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; 

(Choir): For only in thee can we live in safety.

(Cantor): Lord, keep this nation under thy care; 

(Choir): And guide us in the way of justice and truth.

(Cantor): Let thy way be known upon earth; 

(Choir): The saving health among all nations.

(Cantor): Let not the needy, O Lord, be forgotten; 

(Choir): Nor the hope of the poor be taken away.

(Cantor): Create in us clean hearts, O God; 

(Choir): And sustain us with thy Holy Spirit.'

THE COLLECTS: (Amen)x3

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​Anthem: Love Bade Me Welcome 

"Love (III)" by George Herbert

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Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back 

Guilty of dust and sin.

But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack 

From my first entrance in,

Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning,

If I lacked any thing.

A guest, I answered, worthy to be here:

Love said, You shall be he.

I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear,

I cannot look on thee.

Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,

Who made the eyes but I?

Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame

Go where it doth deserve.

And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame?

My dear, then I will serve.

You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat:

So I did sit and eat.

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