DESCRIPTION:
G.P. da Palestrina -- 'Antiphon & Nunc Dimittis'

Sung by the schola of Blackfriars, Oxford

For a reflection on the Presentation of Christ, see:
http://godzdogz.op.org/2014/02/the-presentation-of-christ-in-temple.html

The antiphon here is Salva Nos from the office of Compline:

Salva nos, Domine, vigilantes, custodi nos dormientes: ut vigilemus cum Christo,
et requiescamus in pace.
Save us, Lord, while we are awake, protect us while we sleep; that we may keep watch with Christ, and rest with him in peace.

It encloses the Canticle of Simeon, the 'Nunc Dimittis', chanted in Tone 3:

Nunc dimittis servum tuum,
Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace:
Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum.
Quod parasti ante faciem omnium populorum:
Lumen ad revelationem gentium,
et gloriam plebis tuæ Israel.

At last, all-powerful Master,
you give leave to your servant
to go in peace, according to your promise.
For my eyes have seen your salvation
which you have prepared for all nations,
the light to enlighten the Gentiles
and give glory to Israel, your people.