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...

 

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