Plaudite Manibus: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo

Name: Plaudite Manibus: SATB, a cappella Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-47549
Price: 2.05 USD
Availability: InStock

(Clap Your Hands)

Words and music by Sally K. Albrecht

Item: 00-47549

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Sung on a combination of Latin and English words and punctuated by the clapping of hands, this rhythmic a cappella stunner is both stimulating and musically satisfying. Open fifths underpin a modal theme, which leads to a layered add-on section. The final cadence boasts a dazzling array of stacked chords.

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Series: Alfred Choral Designs

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081542423

SKU: 00-47549

More about this title

About the Composer: Sally K. Albrecht

Sally K. Albrecht has shaped choral music education for over three decades, first as Director of School Choral, Vocal, and Elementary Publications at Alfred Music and through her prolific output as a composer. Her catalog spans more than 600 choral works and 75 larger musicals and songbooks, all while she conducted honor choirs at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Kennedy Center. An ASCAP Special Music Award recipient since 1987, she is recognized particularly for integrating movement into choral performance.

Albrecht holds degrees from Rollins College (B.A. in Music and Theater, 1976), the University of Miami (M.A. in Drama, 1977; M.M. in Accompanying, 1979), and has taught at Oakland University, Jersey City State College, and Meredith College. She served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and received their "Pillar of Leadership" award. In 2021, both the University of Miami Frost School of Music and Rollins College honored her with Distinguished Alumna Awards. She resides in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

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Why we love this

Albrecht crafts genuine rhythmic excitement here without sacrificing harmonic sophistication. The integration of hand percussion (clapping) with the vocal lines creates an interactive energy that energizes both singers and audience, while the modal writing and stacked final cadence deliver the musical substance that keeps this piece fresh in rehearsal and memorable in performance.

What to expect

Energetic and contemplative in equal measure. The Latin and English text paired with hand clapping creates a percussion-like propulsion that feels both ancient and contemporary, while the modal harmonic language and open sonorities suggest something timeless. The piece builds from rhythmic clarity to harmonic richness, leaving singers and listeners with a sense of accomplishment.

Who it's for

Choirs with solid blend and intonation seeking a concert or festival piece that combines rhythmic drive with modal harmony. The piece works equally well for high school choirs and college or community ensembles that want something distinctive without extreme difficulty.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the hand clapping as a rhythmic anchor early in rehearsals. Have singers lock the pattern before layering in the vocal lines so the percussion becomes a confident ensemble element rather than an afterthought.
Shape the modal theme with attention to the open fifths underneath. These intervals create a particular sonic space; let them breathe rather than filling them with excessive vibrato.
Bring precision to the layered add-on section where voices enter successively. Clarity in the entrance points matters more than volume; focus singers on hearing each other.
Rehearse the final cadence's stacked chord progression slowly at first, ensuring singers understand how their individual lines create the larger harmonic color. This pays off dramatically when performed at tempo.

How to use it

This piece works beautifully as a concert centerpiece or festival offering where you want to showcase the choir's rhythmic precision and harmonic sophistication simultaneously. The combination of accessibility and musical substance makes it a strong choice for mixed programs pairing sacred and secular work, or for festivals where interactive elements engage audiences.