Gloria in D
Gloria in D was premièred in December 2014 by the Bel Canto Chorus, Milwaukee in their ‘Christmas in the Basilica’ concerts. It is written for a large chorus, soprano soloist, brass ensemble, consisting of three trumpets and three trombones, timpani and organ.
Richard Hynson, who conducted the premiére in Milwaukee, writes:
“As music Director of the Bel Canto Chorus in Milwaukee, I am charged with programming new, exciting, audience-accessible repertoire for our annual Christmas in the Basilica concerts. Surprisingly, it is difficult to find new works that both challenge and engage the chorus while moving the audience. Gordon Thornett’s ‘Gloria’ is one of those works.
Scored for Soprano Soloist, Mixed Chorus, Brass (3 tpts, 3 tbns), Timpani, and Organ, this single-movement, ten-minute setting of the Gloria from the Ordinary of the Mass demonstrates the composer’s use of exciting, multi-metric rhythms, well-structured melodies, and emotional contrast.
While the choral writing offers some challenges, especially in the fughetta section, a good college or community chorus can learn this medium-difficult work successfully in a few rehearsals. The Soprano Solo requires a skilled, advanced singer, and the accompanying instrumental parts will satisfy accomplished players.
I strongly recommend this as a work that can successfully anchor a Christmas program.”
A version of this piece also exists for brass quintet instead of the sextet. If you would like that version, please indicate this in the Additional Notes field during checkout, or follow up your order with an email to [email protected].
Purchase Options
Full Performance materials – Download License ($75)
Includes the full score, complete instrumental parts and vocal score with license to print as many copies as needed for your chorus
Piano/Organ-only Performance materials – Download License ($55)
Includes the organ part and piano/vocal score with license to print as many copies as needed for your chorus.
Materials in Print
- Full Score and Parts ($40)
- Vocal Score (with piano/organ accompaniment) only ($8/copy)
| Voicing: | SATB |
| Descriptive Tags: | Cantata, Fun, Inspiration, Liturgical text, Praise, Prayer, Project : Encore, Worship |
| Difficulty: | Advanced Student, Advanced |
| Instrumentation: | Brass, Organ, Timpani |
| Language: | English, Latin |
| Sacred or Secular: | Sacred |
| Season or Event: | Advent, Christmas, Easter, General, Winter |
| Duration: | 10-15 Minutes |
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