What is the Magnificat?
Q: What is the Magnificat?
A: The Magnificat is the song that the Virgin Mary sang after Elizabeth told her that she is going to give birth to God's son.
Q: Where is the story of the Magnificat told in the Bible?
A: The story of the Magnificat is told in the Bible in the book of Luke Chapter 1, verses 46-55.
Q: What does "Magnificat" mean?
A: "Magnificat" is a Latin word meaning "magnifies" (saying how great [God] is).
Q: What have composers done with the words of the Magnificat?
A: Composers have set the words of the Magnificat to music.
Q: Why were most musical settings of the Magnificat written for church services?
A: Most musical settings of the Magnificat were written for church services because it is a religious text.
Q: Where is the Magnificat most commonly found in the Western Church?
A: In the Western Church, the Magnificat is most often to be found in Latin or the language of the country.
Q: In what Christian Church is the Magnificat always sung as part of the traditional evening service?
A: In the Anglican Church, the Magnificat is always sung as part of the traditional evening service (Evensong).
