Jubilate Deo: Choral Instrumental Pak
By Michael Praetorius / Arranged by Betty Bertaux
Item: 35-PK00124718
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Description
Originally conceived at the request of Children's Chorus of Maryland, this arrangement of an old Praetorius melody was intended to be accessible to singers ranging in age from 6 to 17 years. The tune is reinvented through the use of a variety of instruments and the result is that new life is breathed into an old favorite. Duration: ca. 3:05.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00124718
More about this title
About the Composer: Michael Praetorius
Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) was a German composer and music theorist whose prolific output shaped Renaissance and early Baroque music across Europe. His melodies became foundational to the choral repertoire, prized for their singability and structural clarity. As a kapellmeister and composer of sacred works, Praetorius understood how to write music that served both liturgical function and musical substance, a balance that keeps his compositions relevant to choirs today.
Beyond his compositions, Praetorius left a lasting legacy through his theoretical writings, especially Syntagma Musicum, which documented instruments, performance practices, and compositional techniques of his era. His ability to craft accessible yet dignified melodies made him a favorite of choral arrangers for centuries. Teachers and conductors continue to return to Praetorius because his lines breathe naturally and his harmonic language feels both timeless and teachable.
Why we love this
Betty Bertaux's arrangement honors the Praetorius melody while creating something genuinely fresh through orchestration choices that keep singers engaged across a wide age span. The instrumental variety transforms what could be a straightforward setting into a piece where young singers hear their voices supported and colored in new ways, making them feel like soloists even in a group context. This is the kind of arrangement that works equally well as a concert opener or a contest selection because it balances accessibility with musical substance.
What to expect
This is joyful and bright, with the character of a Renaissance celebration reimagined through a lens that feels contemporary without abandoning its historical roots. The orchestration adds color and dimension that invites listeners in, making what might have felt quaint sound genuinely alive.
Who it's for
Mixed-age choirs spanning elementary through high school will find this arrangement both accessible and musically rewarding. Directors managing a wide vocal range will appreciate how the instrumental support allows younger voices to sit comfortably while challenging older singers musically.
How to get the most out of it
- Assign specific instruments to double each voice part so younger singers feel supported while the older singers develop independence; this layering approach lets the arrangement reveal itself gradually through rehearsals.
- Shape the phrasing collaboratively between singers and instrumentalists before the first full run-through; unified breath points and gesture create the polished sound the arrangement deserves.
- Experiment with which instruments enter where to highlight textural shifts; the original conception uses instrumentation as a storytelling device, not mere accompaniment.
How to use it
Open a concert with this piece to establish an energetic, welcoming tone while immediately showcasing the breadth of your ensemble's musicianship. Its three-minute length and accessible style make it ideal for building confidence early in a performance or as a palate-cleanser between weightier works.
Skills your students will build
- Blending voices with instrumental timbres in a mixed ensemble
- Sustaining independent singing lines while tracking harmonic function
- Responding to orchestration cues and conductor gestures synchronized with instrumental entrances
- Understanding how a single melody can be reinvented through arrangement choices