George Arthur

Nunc dimittis

The piece has a very clear two-part structure. A peaceful setting, resembling a lullaby which rarely rises above mp in the first section. Silence also plays a key part in the opening. Each vocal part uses a small intervallic range returning to a central note, these intervals get wider with each new statement. Simple four-part homophonic texture throughout which requires a well-balanced choral sound. The setting becomes more animated in the second section with the doxology, which has alternating time signatures, an increase in rhythmic movement and a greater dynamic range.