Magnificat

American  

[mag-nif-i-kat, -kaht, mahg-nif-i-kaht, mahn-yif-] / mægˈnɪf ɪˌkæt, -ˌkɑt, mɑgˈnɪf ɪˌkɑt, mɑnˈyɪf- /

noun

1. (italics)  the hymn of the Virgin Mary in Luke, 1:46–55, beginning “My soul doth magnify the Lord,” used as a canticle at evensong or vespers.

2. a musical setting for this.

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Magnificat British  

/ mæɡˈnɪfɪˌkæt /

noun

1. Christianity the hymn of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46-55), used as a canticle

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Etymology

Origin of Magnificat

1150–1200; Middle English < Latin: (it) magnifies (from the first word of the hymn)

Example Sentences

With Bach’s Magnificat and an encore of “Happy, Happy Shall We Be” from Handel’s “Semele,” “Dixit Dominus” made sure that happiness prevailed.

From Los Angeles Times

The musician is best known for his choral compositions, including Christmas carols, anthems and extended works such as the Gloria, the Requiem and the Magnificat.

From BBC

Katerina Burton also dazzled as one of the two soprano voices in “Magnificat,” her voice rich and bright.

From Washington Post

To close the year, Noseda will lead the orchestra in pieces from Handel’s “Messiah” as well as Bach’s “Magnificat.”

From Washington Post

National Symphony Orchestra music director Gianandrea Noseda conducts the NSO in a series of selections from “Messiah,” as well as Bach’s “Magnificat,” joined by vocalists and the University of Maryland’s Concert Choir.

From Washington Post