Gloria in D, RV 589

Conductor Notes:

RV 589. Soli SSA, Coro SATB, Ob, Tr, 2 Vl, Va, Bc. Elektra performs from SATB scores, with the four parts covered as follows: sop1 sings tenor line up one octave, sop2 sings soprano line as written, alto1 sings alto line as written, alto 2 sings bass line up one octave. This distribution of voices makes for a brilliant sound, the principal difference being that the tenor line frequently crosses above the soprano line such that new “melodies” emerge. The voicing being greatly condensed with two parts up the octave make for beautiful intensity of suspensions and resolutions. The orchestra’s bass line amply covers the range needed to support the sound of the voices and strings. We invested in the choral scores and orchestral scores and parts by Carus Verlag to avoid the pitfalls of trying to put multiple versions together, as there are often slight differences in the roadmap and pitches that can really derail a rehearsal. Other than the alto2 section needing to read bass clef, the choir found these scores easy to use.

Text:

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.

Laudamus te. Benedicimus te.

Adoramus te. Glorificamus te.

Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam.

Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens.

Domine Fili unigenite, Iesu Christe.

Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris.

Qui tollis peccata mundi,

miserere nobis.

Qui tollis peccata mundi,

suscipe deprecationem nostram.

Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris,

miserere nobis.

Quoniam tu solus Sanctus. Tu solus Dominus.

Tu solus Altissimus, Iesu Christe.

Cum Sancto Spiritu, in gloria Dei Patris.

Amen.

Translation:

Glory be to God on high,

and on earth peace, good will towards men.

We praise thee, we bless thee,

we worship thee, we glorify thee,

we give thanks to thee for thy great glory,

O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.

O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ;

O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,

that takest away the sins of the world,

have mercy upon us.

Thou that takest away the sins of the world,

receive our prayer.

Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.

For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord;

thou only art most high, O Christ,

with the Holy Ghost, in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.