Nobilis, humilis (Suite on the Hymn to St. Magnus), op. 129 (2023)

Robert Coates (b. 1954) — Nobilis, humilis (Suite on the Hymn to St. Magnus), op. 129 (2023) for organ

0:00 | 1. Processional
5:22 | 2. Siciliana
8:45 | 3. Carillon

The Hymn to St. Magnus, written in Orkney around the year 1280, is the oldest example of part-song in Scandinavia. Earl Magnus was murdered in 1115 and was canonized in 1135. It is likely that the words of the hymn, “Nobilis, humilis”, were written shortly afterwards. The third movement, Carillon, is based on the chimes of St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, with its three bells tuned (approximately!) to C, B-flat, and G.

Robert Coates (b. 1954) was born in Cheshire, England and was educated at King William’s College on the Isle of Man and Royal College of Music in London. His primary teachers were Nicholas Danby, Herrick Bunney, and Allan Wicks. Since 1981, Coates has lived in Norway where he works as a church musician and composer. He has published numerous organ and choral works.

Published by Cantando Musikkforlag (https://notebutikken.no/products/979006517317-nobilis-humilis-orgel)