Gloria in Excelsis Deo: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo
By Jay Althouse
Item: 00-PO-0000883
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Jay's stunning new a cappella setting of this traditional Latin text is presented in ABA form. The A section features a driving and rhythmic mixed meter, while the B "Et in terra pax" section offers a contrasting slow legato melody.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0000883
More about this title
About the Composer: Jay Althouse
Jay Althouse holds degrees in Music Education and Music from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was later honored as a Distinguished Alumnus. He spent eight years in the publishing industry as a rights and licenses administrator and served on the Executive Board of the Music Publishers Association of America, bringing both creative and business expertise to his work.
With over 800 choral compositions in print, Althouse has established himself as a prolific voice in contemporary choral writing. His output spans works for choirs at every level and reaches audiences throughout the English-speaking world. Beyond composition, he has co-written children's musicals with his wife Sally K. Albrecht, compiled respected vocal solo collections, authored classroom resources including Ready to Read Music and Sixty Music Quizzes, and served his community through board membership with the North Carolina Master Chorale. He holds membership in ASCAP and is a regular recipient of their Special Award for contributions to standard music.
Why we love this
Althouse crafts the ABA architecture with real contrast: the opening section's mixed meter energy pulls singers forward with rhythmic momentum, while the B section's legato simplicity gives everyone a moment to breathe and connect to the text. The a cappella voicing eliminates accompaniment crutches, forcing singers to rely on each other and sharpening their awareness of blend and intonation throughout.
What to expect
Gloria in Excelsis Deo opens with propulsive energy and rhythmic vitality, voices interlocking across shifting meters. The Et in terra pax unfolds into stillness, a serene prayer suspended in legato phrasing that gives the singers room to inhabit the text's quiet declaration of peace on earth.
Who it's for
SATB choirs seeking an a cappella sacred piece that works for both worship contexts and festival performance. This arrangement suits intermediate to advanced choirs with enough vocal independence to handle mixed meter and secure intonation without accompaniment support.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the mixed meter pulse clearly in the A sections before adding text; once singers feel the rhythmic foundation, the words will sit naturally and the driving quality will emerge.
- Shape the Et in terra pax as a collective meditation, not a unison recitation. Even though the melody is straightforward, encourage singers to listen deeply to each other's tone quality and breathe as a unified ensemble.
- Balance the soprano line in the opening section so it cuts through without pushing; the rhythmic figures need clarity, not volume.
How to use it
Place this as a concert centerpiece that anchors a sacred choral program, or open a festival set with its rhythmic drive before transitioning into slower repertoire. Its a cappella nature also makes it ideal for worship services where accompaniment is unavailable or for concert programs where you want to showcase your choir's independence.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing mixed meters (sections alternating between different time signatures)
- Intonation independence without instrumental support
- Sustained legato singing and phrase shaping across longer lines
- Rhythmic precision and ensemble synchronization across complex rhythmic figures
- Text projection and Latin pronunciation in a contemporary harmonic context