Introduction

This version of the Magnificat is set in the style of a plainsong psalm.  If there is a cantor available it makes sense for the singing of verses to alternate between cantor and congregation.  The first two syllables of each verse are sung to the two initial quavers, and then the remaining words are sung to the long reciting note.  The italicised syllable shows where to leave the reciting note for the remaining note (or notes).

It is traditional when singing plainsong psalms to make a significant pause at the colon halfway through a verse, and for the next verse to follow more immediately as each verse ends.  However in particular situations a longer pause may be preferred at the end of the verse rather than in the middle.  The main thing is to contemplate the meaning of the words while singing and not to allow technical matters to intrude too much!

Teaching it to the congregation

A natural speech rhythm should be encouraged.  The final syllables of each verse should be ‘phrased off’ and not bumped at all.  Singers should be encouraged to listen to each other and aim to achieve ‘many voices sounding as one’.  A comfortable starting pitch should be selected by the cantor – it does not have to be as printed so long as the relative intervals are kept the same.