Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis is arranged for accompanied SSAATTBB divisi voices, with the opportunity for solos. In these canticles written for the 1978 Southern Cathedrals Festival, Jonathan Harvey follows in the tradition of Benjamin Britten and Michael Tippett in fusing ancient ritual with thoroughly modern means of expression. Choral techniques used here include glissandi and some improvisation. These are striking settings that will appeal to more adventurous choirs.