Magnificat

views updated Jun 11 2018

Magnificat (Lat.). Canticle of the Virgin Mary (‘My soul doth magnify the Lord’) as it appears in St Luke's Gospel. The Lat. name is first word of Vulgate trans. (Magnificat anima mea Dominum). Part of RC Vespers and of Anglican Evensong (where mus. setting is followed by Nunc Dimittis). Sung to plainchant in RC service and to Anglican chant in latter, but there are many comp. settings for church and concert perf., e.g. by Dunstable, Du Fay, Lassus, Palestrina, Monteverdi, Bach, Schütz, and Vaughan Williams.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

Magnificat

views updated Jun 11 2018

Magnificat a canticle used in Christian liturgy, especially at vespers and evensong, the text being the hymn of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46–55). The literal meaning of Magnificat in Latin is ‘magnifies’, and the opening words of the canticle translate as ‘my soul magnifies the Lord’.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

Magnificat

views updated Jun 08 2018

Magnificat. Mary's song of praise in Luke 1. 46–55, from the Latin Magnificat anima mea Dominum (‘My soul doth magnify the Lord’).

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions JOHN BOWKER

magnificat

views updated May 14 2018

magnificat the canticle beginning ‘Magnificat anima mea Dominum’ My soul doth magnify the Lord (Luke 1: 46); 3rd pers. sg. pres. ind. of L. magnificāre MAGNIFY.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD