Exsultate, Jubilate: SATB Choral Octavo

Lewis writes choral music that sounds far more sophisticated than its difficulty level suggests. The 6/8 meter feels natural and joyful, while those contemporary tone clusters in the B section arrive logically through the voice leading rather than as gimmick, giving singers genuine harmonic territory to explore without the stress of awkward writing.

Celebratory and alive. The Latin text paired with that rolling 6/8 meter creates forward momentum, while the contemporary harmonic language in the middle section adds sophistication and color. It's joyful without being simple.

Choirs preparing for festival competitions or spring concerts who need something energetic, musically substantial, and genuinely singable across ability levels. High school and college choirs benefit most, though strong middle school groups can tackle it.

• Let the 6/8 meter breathe with a relaxed pulse; this isn't a race. The exuberance comes from the text and energy, not tempo.
• Shape the tone clusters in the B section as vertical sonorities, not as competing lines. Balance is everything.
• Encourage soloists or small group singing in exposed passages to build confidence before bringing the full choir in.

Pair this with other Latin sacred texts for a thematic concert section, or use it as the opening number to establish energy and lift the audience's mood immediately. Its moderate length and bright character also make it ideal for festival competitions where you want to showcase both musicality and accessibility.

• Reading and singing in 6/8 meter with consistent pulse
• Balancing tone clusters through careful voice leading
• Phrasing Latin text with rhythmic precision
• Blend and balance in four-part harmony