Plaudite: SATB Choral Octavo
(Plaudite Omnis Terra)
Music and additional words by Victor C. Johnson
Item: 00-PO-0007285
$2.40
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Victor Johnson delivers the ultimate festival opener with this joyful mixed-meter selection meaning "clap your hands, all the earth." A strong minor-key motive, harmonized in sturdy open fifths, is punctuated by rhythmic handclaps. A contrasting section quiets the middle before a brief accelerando builds back to the triumphant return of opening material. Prominent dynamics and captivating rhythms create excitement.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
16
SKU:
00-PO-0007285
More about this title
About the Composer: Victor C. Johnson
Victor C. Johnson has established himself as one of the most prolific voices in American choral music, with over 500 compositions and arrangements currently published. Based in Dallas, he served as choral director at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts from 2000 to 2018, where he led the Academy Singers and Academy Men's Choir while also directing the Singing Girls of Texas and Children's Choir of Texas. Since 2022, he has conducted the Dallas Symphony Children's Chorus Mixed Ensemble, working with high school singers who serve as the resident children's choir for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
In his current role as School Choral Editor for Sing!, the educational publishing arm of Choristers Guild, Johnson continues to shape choral pedagogy and repertoire. His professional involvement spans the American Choral Directors Association, American Guild of Organists, Texas Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and ASCAP, reflecting his deep roots in both composition and music education leadership.
Why we love this
Johnson has crafted a festival opener that balances immediate impact with musical substance. The combination of mixed meter, open fifths harmony, and rhythmic handclaps gives singers a tangible framework for expression while keeping the energy visceral and celebratory, making this as effective for concerts as for competitions.
What to expect
Immediate joy breaks through with that sturdy minor-key motive and open harmonic space, then Johnson pulls back to let the quieter section breathe before the accelerando sweeps the piece back to its triumphant conclusion. The handclaps aren't decoration; they're an essential part of the kinetic energy, grounding the work in something tactile and communal.
Who it's for
Directors seeking a high-energy festival or contest opener that combines accessibility with musical depth. The Latin text meaning "clap your hands, all the earth" paired with strong rhythmic and harmonic writing makes this work equally suitable for high school and adult choirs with intermediate to advanced facility.
How to get the most out of it
- Anchor the opening minor-key motive by having sopranos and altos lock the primary line while tenors and basses establish the open fifths foundation; rehearse this section separately until the harmonic color is solid and the rhythm is unshakeable.
- Mark the handclaps clearly on the score and conduct them with visible precision during rehearsals so singers understand exactly when they clap relative to the harmonic shifts.
- Shape the contrasting middle section as genuine repose, not simply softer singing; drop the dynamic and energy to create genuine architectural contrast before the accelerando builds momentum again.
- Balance the accelerando so it feels organic rather than forced; gradually tighten the tempo over several measures rather than making sudden jumps.
How to use it
Open a concert or festival appearance with this piece to establish energy and audience engagement right away. The joyful character and celebratory text also make it ideal for holiday concerts, spring celebrations, or any program where you want to set an exuberant tone and frame the performances that follow.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing mixed meter changes with confidence
- Balancing open fifth harmonies for clarity without harshness
- Coordinating rhythmic handclaps while maintaining vocal precision and ensemble timing
- Shaping dynamic contrasts and building tension through accelerando
- Approaching Latin diction with clarity and intention