The Magnificat and Nunc dimittis, or St. Thomas church Fifth Avenue Service, was commissioned by Gerre Hancock and the St. Thomas Church NYC in 2001. I wrote the piece with St. Thomas Choir in mind and my days as a choirboy at St. Thomas in the late 70's. Thinking of all of Magnificats by Byrd, Gibbons, Howells, and Naylor, made writing this piece a daunting task, at first. It was difficult separating the text from these pieces that I knew and loved. Eventually the rhythm of the words "My Soul" generated the plaintive and humble nature of the prayer and the rest of the music. This motive is heard throughout the Magnificat and the Nunc dimittis. In many ways this piece became a tribute to my choirboy years, the Anglican music I loved to sing, and the music I still love to listen to as an adult.
( recording St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue)