Glory to God Op. 124 Cover Image

Glory to God Op. 124: Soprano Voice

$35.95 USD
$35.95 USD
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Glory to God Op. 124 Cover Image
Glory to God Op. 124: Soprano Voice

Glory to God Op. 124: Soprano Voice

Christmas Cantata for Soprano, Alto, Mixed Choir, Brass, Percussion and Organ

By Alan Hovhaness

Item: 98-EP6350
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Description

Christmas Cantata. Text: Luke 2:8-11, 13, 14

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Additional Details
Series: Edition Peters
Publisher: Edition Peters
Page Count: 40
ISBN10: 0-30-071217-0
ISBN13: 979-0-3007-1217-8
SKU: 98-EP6350

More about this title

About the Composer: Alan Hovhaness

Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) was an Armenian-American composer whose prolific output spanned nearly seven decades and drew deeply from Armenian liturgical music, world folk traditions, and modernist harmonic language. His catalog of over 500 works demonstrates an obsessive devotion to spiritual and contemplative themes, making him one of the most performed American composers in concert halls and churches worldwide.

Why we love this

Hovhaness brings a genuine reverence to the Nativity text that avoids saccharine sentimentality entirely. The soprano line sits beautifully for ensemble singers while containing enough contour and rhythmic interest to keep voices engaged; sopranos never drift into autopilot, which matters greatly when programming a full Christmas cantata.

What to expect

The music inhabits a luminous space between reverence and wonder, with spare harmonic language that feels both ancient and contemporary. Hovhaness's modal melodies suggest Armenian chant traditions filtered through a modernist sensibility, creating an atmosphere of quiet spiritual intensity rather than triumphant celebration.

Who it's for

This soprano part serves choirs seeking a substantial Christmas work beyond the standard carols and arrangements. It works equally well for church choirs building their liturgical calendar and for concert ensembles programming a full sacred cantata without requiring professional soloists.

How to get the most out of it

  • Honor the modal melodic language by avoiding excessive vibrato in sustained passages; let the spiritual quality emerge through pure, focused tone rather than expressive ornamentation.
  • Approach phrase endings with gentle release rather than dramatic cutoff; these lines often resolve inward, creating an intimate rather than declamatory effect.
  • Balance the soprano part carefully within the full ensemble so the text remains audible without overpowering lower voices, especially in choral sections where the line doubles other parts.

How to use it

This cantata functions beautifully as a centerpiece Christmas concert, either performed complete or excerpted across multiple services during the season. The 40-page length allows programming alongside instrumental works or shorter choral selections without requiring an entire evening devoted to a single piece.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading modal melody and harmonic language
  • Sustaining focus through lyrical, slow-moving passages
  • Balancing solo soprano line with choral textures
  • Interpreting text from Luke's Gospel with musical sensitivity
  • Ensemble blend in contemporary sacred music

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