Magnificat

[mag-nif-i-kat, -kaht, mahg-nif-i-kaht, mahn-yif-]

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.

Magnificat

/ mæɡˈnɪfɪˌkæt /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Magnificat¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Magnificat¹

from the opening phrase in the Latin version, Magnificat anima mea Dominum (my soul doth magnify the Lord)

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.

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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.

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

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

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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.

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