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Gloria in Excelsis Deo: SSAA Choral Octavo

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Gloria in Excelsis Deo Cover Image
Gloria in Excelsis Deo: SSAA Choral Octavo

Gloria in Excelsis Deo: SSAA Choral Octavo

By Jay Althouse

Item: 00-48284
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Description
An achievable thriller on a familiar Latin text! Jay Althouse's compelling mixed meter theme develops into a shimmering array of contemporary harmonies in this exciting, angular work. A reflective adagio section in the middle offers contrast before returning to the rhythmic opening.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 8
UPC: 038081551074
SKU: 00-48284

More about this title

About the Composer: Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse

Jay Althouse earned his B.S. in Music Education and M.Ed. in Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he later received the Distinguished Alumni award. His professional background includes eight years as a rights and licenses administrator for a major educational music publisher, a role that included service on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America.

As a composer, Althouse has established himself as a prolific voice in choral music, with more than 800 works in print across all choir levels. His compositions are performed regularly throughout the English-speaking world, and he holds membership in ASCAP with multiple Special Award recognitions. Beyond composing, he has co-written children's musicals with Sally K. Albrecht, compiled respected vocal collections including Folk Songs for Solo Singers, and authored pedagogical resources such as The Complete Choral Warm-up Book, Accent on Composers, and Ready to Read Music. His choral composition "I Hear America Singing," written with Albrecht, was performed by the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choirs at President Barack Obama's 2009 Inauguration.

Why we love this

Althouse balances accessibility with genuine musical sophistication here. The mixed meter framework and contemporary harmonic language keep singers engaged without overwhelming them, while the structural arc from rhythmic energy through reflective calm to triumphant return creates a compelling narrative arc that works beautifully in both concert and contest settings.

What to expect

Angular yet approachable, this setting of a timeless text marries sharp rhythmic drive with shimmering harmonic color. The emotional landscape moves from kinetic exuberance through quiet introspection and back again, creating a piece that feels both modern and rooted in its sacred tradition.

Who it's for

Advanced treble choirs seeking engaging sacred repertoire that challenges without overreaching. The eight-page length and contemporary harmonic language suit accomplished high school and college programs, as well as community choirs with strong musicianship and rhythmic security.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish the mixed meter opening with rhythmic precision in rehearsal; treat it as a minimalist gesture rather than rushing the forward momentum.
  • Shade the shift into the adagio section carefully to ensure the ensemble hears it as genuine contrast, not a drooping loss of energy.
  • Use the recorded accompaniment strategically early in rehearsal to lock harmonic relationships, then pull back gradually so singers develop independence with the contemporary voicings.

How to use it

Program this as a concert centerpiece that demonstrates your ensemble's range and sophistication, or reserve it for a contest where its distinctive voice and strong emotional architecture can make an impression. It pairs well with either classical sacred works (offering striking contrast) or other contemporary offerings on the same concert.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading mixed meters and maintaining rhythmic integrity across meter changes
  • Singing contemporary harmonic language with clarity and confidence
  • Building ensemble cohesion through angular, non-traditional voice leading
  • Interpreting textural shifts and dramatic architectural changes

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