In Excelsis Deo! (A Gospel Christmas): SATB Choral Octavo
By Greg Gilpin
Item: 35-DS02007080
Digital Download
$2.65
Minimum order quantity: 10 copies
Please note: Under U.S. copyright law, you must purchase the exact number of copies needed for your ensemble. Printing, duplicating or sharing additional copies is strictly prohibited.
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Description
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Greg Gilpin stands among America's most prolific and performed choral composers, with an ASCAP award recognizing his contributions to the art form. His work has graced some of the world's most prestigious venues, from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York to the Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival Hall in London, and Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik. As Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press, Gilpin shapes the choral repertoire available to singers nationwide.
Beyond the concert hall, Gilpin has expanded his creative reach into film scoring, winning Best Score honors for the short film "Rosie's Rescue" in 2021, and collaborating with renowned opera singer Angela Brown on a world premiere arrangement of "What Child is This?" with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. His professional life also encompasses conducting, recording production, and founding Maestro Organizing, a professional organizing business that has led to appearances on Fox, NBC, and the television series "Hoarders." Gilpin remains active in ACDA, NAfME, SAG-AFTRA, and holds Life Loyal membership in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Why we love this
Gilpin's gospel-inflected holiday anthem captures the exuberance of Christmas celebration without relying on tired arrangements or oversaturated carols. The SATB writing balances accessibility with genuine harmonic interest, giving every voice part something substantial to sing while remaining performable by mixed choirs of varying experience levels. Programming this piece signals to your singers that the holiday season deserves fresh energy and artful musical thinking.
What to expect
Joyful and urgent, with the rhythmic propulsion of contemporary gospel underneath rich, singable harmonies. The piece radiates warmth without sentimentality, inviting singers to celebrate with genuine conviction rather than holiday cliche.
Who it's for
Choirs seeking a contemporary Christmas offering that honors gospel tradition without demanding specialized vocal technique or extended vocal ranges. This works equally well for high school auditioned choirs, community ensembles, and adult singers who want their holiday music to feel alive and current.
How to get the most out of it
Anchor the rhythm section early in rehearsal by establishing the groove's pocket with your rhythm instruments or a recorded track if available. The gospel style demands that singers feel the pulse kinetically, not just technically.
Shape the arrangement's dynamic arch by drawing distinctions between verse sections and the full-choir moments. Gilpin writes these contrasts into the piece; exploit them for dramatic effect.
Let the text painting guide your interpretive choices, particularly where the harmony shifts to emphasize key phrases. Singers respond to the emotional logic when you show them how the music reflects the meaning.
How to use it
Position this as the centerpiece of a December concert program, where it can anchor a set of carols and lighter fare while maintaining musical credibility. Alternatively, use it to open a holiday concert with immediate energy and contemporary flavor, signaling to your audience that this will be no ordinary Christmas program.
Skills your students will build
Gospel rhythm and phrasing conventions
Balancing harmonic complexity with textural clarity in contemporary arrangements
Shaping dynamic contrast within extended song forms
Ensemble cohesion across varied rhythmic layers
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