Nunc Dimittis

[nuhngk di-mit-is, noongk]

noun

1. (italics),  the canticle beginning with the words of Simeon, in Luke 2:29–32, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.”

2. (lowercase),  permission to leave; dismissal or departure.

Nunc Dimittis

/ ˈnʌŋk dɪˈmɪtɪs, ˈnʊŋk /

noun

1. the Latin name for the Canticle of Simeon (Luke 2:29–32)

2. a musical setting of this

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nunc Dimittis¹

From Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nunc Dimittis¹

from the opening words (Vulgate): now let depart

Example Sentences

At the peaceful heart of “Media vita,” after the polyphony has sucked you in, comes the solemn, unadorned “Nunc dimittis.”

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Three verses follow the “Nunc dimittis,” each a test of faith.

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Partly audible on Alamire’s release from earlier this year, Mr. Smart’s adjustments include replacing the opening edifice with a six-note chant, moving the “Nunc dimittis” to the front, and curtailing those enthralling repetitions of the “Sancte” sections.

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The choir produced similar slow-moving textures in Arvo Pärt’s “Nunc dimittis,” with the melody morphing imperceptibly from section to section over a full dynamic range.

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Compline is a simple service, including a confession of sins, one or more psalms, a short reading from scripture, versicles and responses, the Lord’s Prayer, and the canticle Nunc Dimittis.

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