During Benjamin’s time at Merton, the College has established the annual Passiontide at Merton festival, and in 2013 the new Dobson Organ was installed, a project with which he was closely involved. With Merton College Choir, Benjamin has toured in France, Sweden and the USA, given concerts in the Cadogan Hall and The Temple Church, and broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Television.
As a conductor, recent performances have included Holst’s Savitri in the Cheltenham Music Festival, Mozart’s Requiem in St Germain, Paris and Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius with the Oxford Philomusica. Benjamin’s recordings are mainly on the Delphian label, and include discs of Weelkes, Mozart (Coronation Mass and Solemn Vespers), Stainer, Stanford, and Rutter. His debut disc with Merton College Choir was a Gramophone Editor’s Choice.
Benjamin Nicholas has collaborated with numerous composers, and is largely responsible for the Merton Choirbook, commissioned to celebrate the 750th anniversary of the College in 2014. Significant projects have included the first performances of Gabriel Jackson’s Passion in Oxford and New York, and the premieres of new choral works by Birtwistle, Dove, MacMillan, Saxton and Weir.
Nunc Dimittis
Benjamin Nicholas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
peace: according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation: which thou hast prepared before the face of
all people
to be a light to lighten the gentiles:
and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and
to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
world without end. Amen.
The lyrics to Benjamin Nicholas's song "Nunc Dimittis" are derived from the biblical passage found in Luke 2:29-32. This passage, also known as the Song of Simeon, is a response by Simeon, a devout and righteous man, upon seeing the infant Jesus in the temple. Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Hence, these lyrics represent Simeon's acknowledgment and acceptance of God's promise being fulfilled, and his readiness to pass away in peace.
The opening line, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word," indicates Simeon's profound sense of fulfillment and contentment. He recognizes that God has kept his promise, and he is now ready to leave this earthly life in peace, as he had fervently awaited this moment. This line reflects Simeon's deep faith and trust in God's word.
The subsequent line, "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation: which thou hast prepared before the face of all people," highlights the significance of the moment for Simeon. As he has beheld the infant Jesus, he acknowledges that he has witnessed the salvation promised by God. It is a realization that this salvation is not exclusive but has been prepared for all people, denoting the inclusiveness of God's love and mercy.
The following line, "to be a light to lighten the gentiles," speaks to the universal nature of Jesus' mission. Simeon understands that Jesus came not only to save the Israelites but also to bring salvation and illumination to all nations, including the Gentiles. This demonstrates the all-encompassing nature of God's grace and Jesus' role as a source of divine light and guidance for all humanity.
The lyrics conclude with the statement, "and to be the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen." Here, Simeon acknowledges that Jesus is not only the savior of all people but also the fulfillment of God's promise to the people of Israel. He recognizes the eternal nature of God and gives praise to the Holy Trinity, reinforcing the belief in God's timeless and everlasting presence.
Ultimately, these lyrics encapsulate Simeon's response to witnessing the infant Jesus and the fulfillment of God's promise. They convey a sense of peace, joy, and universal salvation, as Simeon embraces his departure from earthly life, having seen and experienced God's salvation through the coming of Jesus.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word.
Dear Lord, allow your servant to leave this world in peace, just as you have promised.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation: which thou hast prepared before the face of all people
For I have witnessed the arrival of your salvation, which you have prepared for all people to behold.
to be a light to lighten the gentiles:
To serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path for non-Jewish believers.
and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
And to bring honor and splendor to the people of Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
We give glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Just as it has always been, is in the present, and will continue to be forever: an eternal world. Amen.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Bob Chilcott
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind