Jubilate, Exsultate!: TBB Choral Octavo

Johnson writes men's music that sounds genuinely contemporary without abandoning the warmth and accessibility that makes an octavo singable across ability levels. The Latin-to-English arc gives you structural sophistication and contrast that justifies programming time while the driving piano part keeps rehearsals energized and keeps singers engaged with the accompaniment.

Exuberant and grounded at once. The contemporary harmonies and driving piano create forward momentum, while the legato English middle section invites singers into a moment of reflection before the final celebration. There's genuine joy in this music without sentimentality.

Men's choirs seeking contemporary repertoire that neither talks down to singers nor demands advanced technique. This setting works for concert ensembles preparing festival or contest material, as well as groups looking to expand their sacred repertoire with something that sounds fresh and intentional.

• Shape the legato English section as genuine lyrical relief by keeping the tempo consistent but allowing slightly more breath time than the surrounding Latin material suggests; this creates a natural valley in the piece's arc.
• Balance the piano accompaniment so it propels rather than overpowers; in rehearsal, have singers learn their parts first, then add the keyboard to maintain their confidence and independence.
• Attack the return to Latin text with renewed energy and precision to reward the harmonic journey the piece has taken; clarity in the final section makes the contrast with the middle section land harder.

Open a concert with this piece to establish energy and sophistication immediately, or use it as a closer that leaves audiences energized. The piece also makes an excellent festival selection where the contrast between sections and the contemporary harmonic language will appeal to adjudicators and audiences alike.

• Reading and balancing contemporary harmonic language in a choral texture
• Sustaining legato singing across phrase boundaries while maintaining rhythmic precision
• Coordinating ensemble entrances and cutoffs with piano-driven accompaniment
• Interpreting lyrical text expression in English alongside the rhythmic vitality of Latin setting