SATB choir with some divisi, organ - Medium Difficult SKU: PL.9626
Composed by Joel Martinson. Cathedral. Choral, Evensong. Octavo. Paraclete Press #9626. Published by Paraclete Press (PL.9626). Joel Martinson's setting of the evening canticles balances a rare sensitivity to the text with an exuberant use of voices and organ. The Magnificat opens with sopranos alone supported by a gently undulating accompaniment. The flow of the text is sustained throughout by the use of mixed meters. He hath shown strength with his arm, is set in a rapid, syncopated style which returns for the Glory be to the Father section. The Nunc Dimittis begins lyrically and quietly in all parts and gradually builds to a strong conclusion as the harmony and texture increase in intensity. Mr. Martinson's combination of rhythmic drive and sensitively changing harmonies create a fresh and vital setting of these beloved words for the service of Evensong.
