Jubilate, Exsultate!: SAB Choral Octavo

Johnson's setting captures the celebratory spirit of the Latin text while building in genuine contrasts: the contemporary harmonies and driving accompaniment create energy and forward motion, yet the legato English section offers singers a chance to shape lyrical lines. The piece is structured to work in both contest and concert settings, giving you programming flexibility without sacrificing musical integrity.

Jubilate, Exsultate! radiates joyful urgency. The contemporary harmonies and propulsive piano writing create momentum and modern energy, while the sustained legato section in English allows singers to breathe and reflect before the jubilant return. It's the sound of celebration tempered by moments of genuine lyricism.

Directors programming SAB choirs at the high school level or advanced middle school level will find this piece accessible yet rewarding. It works equally well for groups preparing for festival competition or building a concert program that balances sacred and secular styles.

• Shape the dynamic arc across the Latin sections so the return to the original material feels like a reaffirmation rather than a repetition; the contrast will land harder.
• Balance the SAB voicing so the soprano line carries clearly through the contemporary harmonies without drowning the alto and baritone colors.
• Use the legato English section to reset the choir's focus on vowel consistency and phrase direction, then reconnect that legit tone to the rhythmic energy of the surrounding Latin material.
• Work closely with your pianist on the accompaniment texture; the driving character depends on rhythmic precision and clarity in the keyboard part.

Open a concert with this piece to set an uplifted, energetic tone, or use it as a centerpiece in a sacred music set where it can stand apart from more reverent repertoire. The contest-ready setting also makes it a strong choice for festival programming, especially when paired with pieces that explore quieter or darker musical territory.

• Reading and sustaining contemporary harmonic language in three-part mixed voicing
• Balancing texture and blend across SAB parts with active piano accompaniment
• Executing stylistic contrasts between rhythmic, energetic Latin text and legato English language sections
• Coordinating with piano accompaniment to maintain forward momentum through driving rhythmic patterns