Magnificat tone

One of the eight Gregorian psalm tones to which the Magnificat canticle was chanted at Vespers. Pachelbel's 95 Magnificat fugues provided keyboard versets for each tone, to be played alternately with the choir in a liturgical exchange.

Magnificat fugue versets are short — typically under two minutes — and must fit seamlessly into the liturgical flow. The tempo should be steady and the fugue subject clearly articulated from the first entry. On the organ, a modest registration (Principal chorus without reeds) suits the devotional character. The piece ends with the choir's next verse, so the final cadence should arrive with quiet finality rather than any flourish.