Northern Spire

About My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation:

My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation (2020) was composed specifically for use as part of the Mass for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, although it can be used for other celebrations, as well.  The majority of the text is based on what is known as the Canticle of Simeon, or the Nunc Dimittis, found in the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke.  This Gospel passage recounts the Presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple, an event that has been celebrated in the Church for hundreds of years on February 2nd, 40 days after Christmas.  In this passage, Simeon states that he has now seen God's salvation in the person of the Messiah, the time of his waiting is over, and God can let him "go in peace."  This setting seeks to put the words of Simeon on the lips of the faithful in a way that can accompany the Communion procession or another suitable part of the Mass.  Simeon's Canticle is sung daily in the Church as part of Night Prayer, or Compline, but this setting is intended for use at Mass or other liturgical celebrations.  The text also employs a few brief paraphrases of other Scripture in the verses to flesh out Simeon's rather short Canticle.  The refrain melody is fairly simple, making for easy learning on the part of the Assembly, while including some interesting music for the choir to sing in both the SATB parts and the descant.

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Click on the title page image above to view a sample score.

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Below is an audio sample of this piece recorded by me at the piano.