Exsultate: SAB Choral Octavo

Exsultate captures the joy suggested by its title without resorting to saccharine sentimentality. The SAB voicing handles three-part writing with genuine independence, and the text setting feels natural rather than forced, allowing singers to focus on shaping phrases rather than wrestling with syllabic awkwardness.

Luminous and celebratory, the piece radiates an almost infectious optimism. Leavitt's harmonic language suggests brightness and uplift while maintaining the sophistication expected at the festival level.

High school and collegiate choirs seeking engaging secular repertoire that demonstrates three-part writing without overwhelming singers. Festival and concert programs benefit from this work's moderate length and straightforward production demands.

• Balance the inner voice (alto) carefully; it carries important harmonic color that can disappear if the sopranos aren't singing with intentional restraint.
• Shape each phrase toward its peak rather than thinking of the piece as a series of individual measures; this transforms technical execution into genuine expression.
• Bring out textual clarity in the opening so listeners understand what they're celebrating. Diction here sets the tone for the entire work.

Include this as a program opener to establish an energetic mood, or position it alongside other Leavitt works to build a thematic block. Its moderate length makes it ideal for mixed-duration concert planning.

• Three-part harmonic independence without divisi complications
• Phrase shaping and breath placement in contemporary choral writing
• Text clarity and emotional communication in secular works
• Vocal balance between equally important lines