Exultate for SATB Choir, Soprano Saxophone and Percussion: Choral Works (inc. Oratorios)

Williams captures the exuberant energy of Psalm 81 with bright, driving rhythmic writing that keeps the choir and soloists moving together. The addition of soprano saxophone and percussion creates a contemporary color that feels neither precious nor gratuitous; it's integral to the piece's celebratory character and gives instrumentalists a genuine role in the work rather than mere accompaniment.

Exultate radiates joy without sentimentality. The music pulses with propulsive energy, and the soprano saxophone cuts through with bright, almost fanfare-like moments that complement rather than interrupt the choir's declaration. Percussion underpins everything with rhythmic insistence, creating a sense of communal celebration rooted in the psalmist's urgent call to praise.

Directors seeking a contemporary choral work with genuine liturgical substance and modern instrumental color will find Exultate both singable and stylistically fresh. This piece suits choirs with soprano saxophone capability and access to a capable percussionist; it's equally at home in a concert setting or a service context where exuberance and theological meaning reinforce each other.

• Balance the soprano saxophone carefully against the choir; it should soar above the SATB texture without obscuring the text. Mark dynamic relationships clearly in rehearsal so the saxophone player understands when to lead and when to blend.
• Establish the percussion groove early and keep it steady. The tom-tom drums anchor the piece's rhythmic vitality, so clarity and consistency from the percussion section will make the choir's job considerably easier.
• Shape the text expressively within the energetic framework. Exultate demands vigor, but avoid breathlessness; singers should articulate the psalmtext with clear diction so the jubilation feels grounded rather than frantic.
• Rehearse the choir and saxophone together from the start. Too often these forces are prepared separately, leading to coordination challenges. Integrated rehearsal builds ensemble security and allows all parts to respond to the same musical impulses.

Program this as the closing work of a concert or service where you want to leave listeners energized and uplifted. It pairs well with more introspective choral works earlier in the program, offering dynamic contrast. The piece also works as a festival or special service centerpiece, particularly in contexts celebrating contemporary hymn singing or liturgical music with modern instrumentation.

• Rhythmic precision while maintaining lyrical expression
• Blend and balance with instrumental soloists
• Clear diction in energetic, text-driven writing
• Sustained vocal energy across a celebratory arc
• Sensitivity to percussion and saxophone as integral ensemble voices, not accompaniment