We echo the praises of Mary
(MAGNIFICAT)
(MAGNIFICAT)
1 We echo the praises of Mary,
your greatness, O Lord, we proclaim:
her lowly position no hindrance to you,
your blessing established her fame.
We share her delight as we ponder afresh
the wonder and power of your name!
2 Your mercy crowns all who revere you,
your covenant grace is secure;
the strength of your arm has done marvellous deeds,
your vigilant rule will endure.
While tyrants are toppled and scoffers disperse,
the humble are lifted once more.
3 Good food is prepared for the starving,
the rich are sent empty away.
Our ancestors praised you for meeting their needs
and still you watch over our way;
for you have remembered your promise of old,
your mercy will triumph one day!
~~~
Tune: MAGNIFICAT
Metre: 9.8.11.8.11.8 Key: D
words © Emma Turl
music © John Turl
Sources: Psalm 86:5, Psalm 98:1-3, Psalm 107:9, Psalm 111:9, Luke 1:46-55, Acts 2:39
Themes: blessing, covenant promise, lowliness, pride, Mary's song, mercy, saving arm of God
Keyboard Demo:
Lyric Video:
It was in 1984 that John first composed this music on the piano, designing its three varied verses to be accompanied by another solo instrument. Later, in around 2022, he adapted the text of Mary's song from Luke 1:46-55 to his MAGNIFICAT, before modifying this music and removing the verse variations. However, this affected the stress-patterns of the words, and he suggested I might like to refresh them. I wondered if the words might be felt somewhat too personal for people other than Mary herself to sing, and so went with the more narrative approach, so that we can be blessed as we appreciate and share her joy, and echo her spontaneous psalm of praise. Another version of these words is on Jubilate.