for upper voice choir (SSA) a cappella
Text: Latin (Roman Gradual, introit for the feast of All Saints)
Duration: 2'00''
Difficulty: 3/5
Use: All Saints, General


Composer's note
Composed in 2009, this short, celebratory introit was the first of several unaccompanied works I composed for Matthew Owens and the Wells Cathedral Girl Choristers. The text (Let us all rejoice) exists in a number of versions, and here honours “all the saints, in which solemnly the angels rejoice”. The texture, essentially imitative, is governed by a syncopated melodic phrase which gives way to softer material in the middle section. The return of the opening idea drives the piece towards a broad, jubilant conclusion.


The work was arranged for mixed voices (SSATB) in 2010 for the Exon Singers, the upper parts remaining unaltered, and is available to buy here.


Text
Gaudeamus omnes in Domino diem festum celebrantes sub honore Sanctorum omnium: de quorum solemnitate gaudent Angeli, et collaudant Filium Dei. Exsultate justi in Domino: rectos decet collaudatio.


Let us all rejoice in the Lord celebrating a festival day in honour of all the Saints, at whose solemnity the Angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of God. Rejoice in the Lord O ye just: praise becometh the upright.


Introit for the feast of All Saints
Roman Gradual


Joseph Phibbs
Joseph Phibbs was born in London and studied at The Purcell School, King’s College London, and Cornell University. His teachers have included Param Vir, Sir Harrison Birtwistle, and Steven Stucky and his works have been performed by leading ensembles and orchestras including the London Sinfonietta, BBC Symphony Orchestra (Last Night of the Proms), London Symphony Orchestra, and the Philharmonia Orchestra (under Esa-Pekka Salonen). His music appears regularly at festivals in the UK and beyond, including Cheltenham, Aldeburgh, Three Choirs, and Presteigne. He has composed much for choir, including Tenebrae (St Albans Bach Choir, 2006), Salve Regina (Exon Singers, 2010), Shadows of Sleep (Suffolk schools, Snape Maltings 2010) and Choral Songs of Homage (Aldeburgh Music Club’s 60th Anniversary, 2013). Future commissions include a Concerto for Orchestra (BBC Symphony Orchestra, 2015) and a string quartet (Navarra Quartet, 2013). Joseph Phibbs is now published exclusively by Ricordi London, a Universal Music Publishing Classical company.