The Biblical Canticles In Worship

Canticles (from the Latin canticum, song) are biblical poems with powerful imagery and heightened emotional content. They are similar to psalms but are taken from other books of the Bible. Canticles formed the backbone of the daily office and have often been set to music. Indeed, they are among the richest repertories in all of music. Canticles are divided into two groups. The three "greater" or gospel canticles are all taken from the Gospel according to St. Luke. They are the Magnificat anima mea Dominum, also called the Canticle of the Blessed Mary; the Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, also called the Canticle of Zachariah; and the Nunc Dimittis, also called the Canticle of Simeon. (Canticles are still customarily referred to by their traditional Latin titles even when the texts are given in English. ) In the Roman monastic hours these formed the climax of Vespers, Lauds, and Compline, respectively. In liturgical denominations today they may be found in Morning and Evening Prayer. T…