Duration: 12′
- mezzo-soprano solo, SATB and orchestra [2 oboes (1 dbl cor) 2 trumpets, timps and strings]
- Gemini Publications
- Commissioned by St Albans Choral Society
- First performance 12 April, 2008 | Frances Bourne (mezzo-soprano) Orchestra Nova, George Vass (conductor) | Cathedral and Abbey of St Alban
Laudate is a three movement setting of the Latin Psalm 112 (from the Clementine Vulgate Bible) for mezzo-soprano solo, SATB chorus and chamber orchestra and is the second commission from the St Albans Choral Society (the first being the Stabat Mater which was recorded in 2007 and released on the Dutton Epoch label (CDLX 7197).
A fanfare of trumpets ushers in the opening movement, leading to the gentle entry of the chorus with the words, Laudate, pueri, Dominum(Praise the Lord, ye servants). The mezzo-soprano solo enters over pulsating strings with pizzicato bass line. This is followed by an exchange of dialogue between soloist and chorus, coming to a climax together, Laudabile nomen Domini (Blessed be the name of the Lord). An instrumental section continues and moves towards the final section where chorus and soloist imitate and overlap, concluding with a final flourish of trumpets.
The second movement, for mezzo-soprano soloist, Excelsus super gentes omnes Dominus (The Lord is high above all heathen) brings a mood of simplicity and quiet joy to the work.
In the final movement, Suscitans a terra inopem (He that taketh up the simple out of the dust) a feeling of optimism is established. The soloist takes the verse and the chorus answers in joyful reply and the work closes with the affirmative cry, Lauda! (Praise!)
Laudate was commissioned by St Albans Choral Society with financial support from the Williams Church Music Trust.
- I Laudate, pueri, Dominum (mezzo-soprano and chorus)
- II Excelsus (mezzo-soprano solo)
- III Suscitans a terra inopem (mezzo-soprano and chorus)
- Laudate, pueri, Dominum; laudate nomen Domini.
- Sit nomen Domini benedictum ex hoc nunc et usque in saeculum.
- A solis ortu usque ad occasum laudabile nomen Domini.
- Excelsus super omnes gentes Dominus, et super caelos gloria ejus.
- Quis sicut Dominus Deus noster, qui in altis habitat, et humilia respicit in caelo et in terra?
- Suscitans a terra inopem, et de stercore erigens pauperem:
- ut collocet eum cum principibus, cum principibus populi sui.
- Qui habitare facit sterilem in domo, matrem filiorum laetantem.
- Clementine Vulgate (Psalm 112)
- Praise the Lord, ye servants : O praise the Name of the Lord.
- Blessed be the Name of the Lord : from this time forth for evermore.
- The Lord’s Name is praised : from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same.
- The Lord is high above all heathen : and his glory above the heavens.
- Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling so high : and yet humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth?
- He taketh up the simple out of the dust : and lifteth the poor out of the mire;
- That he may set him with the princes : even with the princes of his people.
- He maketh the barren woman to keep house : and to be a joyful mother of children.
- Book of Common Prayer 1662