Ineffably sweet. It ends in A major, a half-step down from where is starts. The orchestral double-reed / horn / string accompaniment is deluxe and has a gorgeous violin descant for the fourth verse.
womens voices
Give thanks unto the Lord (Bonum est confiteri)
Alleluia, A Newe Work is Come
From the 1961 York Cycle Play music. Also available as a movement in the 1965 Suite for Organ, Trumpet and Handbells (D. 513).
Jesu, Rex admirabilis
Tua Jesu dilectio
Hodie, Christus natus est
Accende, Lumen sensibus
Blessed art thou, O Lord God
Song of the Redeemed
Dirksen compliments Her Majesty by incorporating “The Queens Change” in the Gloria Patri. He uses it in his final anthem Sing, ye faithful as well.
Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis in F# minor
Full score & video.
Communion Service in E minor – Rite I
Score & video. The Gloria is in my TOP THREE Dirksen pieces. Less than three minutes long, it opens with a liturgical joke and ends with an explosive Amen. Note his tempo!
Communion Service in C minor – Rite II
Score & audio. A two-part setting.
Magnificat (York Cycle)
Balulalow
Hail, O Sun, O blessed
About the fields
O radix Jesse
A Festival of Plays
Alleluia, a newe work is come
The Conversion and Baptism of Saul
Score & audio. A seven-minute liturgical drama.