Two Evening Canticles

Intended for evening prayer, these canticles are traditionally sung during candlelighting, and when incense is lit. The first and last seven measures of O Gracious Light are in a chant style with planing parallel fourths and fifths over a sustained bass note. The middle section begins in an imitative style, moves to a homophonic texture, builds to the word "light," then subsides before returning to the simple style introduced in the first seven measures, creating a meditative and comforting atmosphere for the end of day.