COMPOSER’S NOTE:
Like many people, I first learned some of the Gloria text as a child
when singing the carol Angels We Have Heard on High. The original
carol comes from 18th century France, but the history of the words
goes back MUCH further. In fact the first section of the song comes
from the bible story about the nativity when the angels sang: Gloria in
excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. (Glory to
God in the highest, and on earth, peace to people of goodwill.)
These words have been set to music countless times, in many
languages, by composers around the world for nearly 2000 years. I
love the idea that this scene of a celestial birthday party is paired with
the words Peace On Earth – timeless and always relevant.
A powerful song with a classical and jazz feel that will be remembered as a favorite by those who perform it and those it touches.
Robert Todd
FEMEA 2020 All-State Chorus Coordinator
Text
Sung in Latin (Translation in italics)
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Glory in the highest to God
Et in terra pax
And on earth peace
hominibus
to all men (people)
bonae voluntatis
of good will
Laudamus te
We laude you
Benedicimus te
We bless you
Adoramus te
We adore you
Glorificamus te
We glorify you
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