Te Deum

SKU: MN.CH-1204A

Scripture: Psalms.

The Te Deum is a hymn of thanksgiving, and in the Liber Usualis it is the first such hymn listed. The text is a composite, with some original words and some quoted directly from the psalms. One of the most obvious stylistic factors of the prayer is that each line begins, almost without exception in the invocation part of the prayer, with some form of second-person address. This piece is designed to be performed by small or large forces. It may be performed with as few as 12 to 16 singers, 1 each of the Double Reeds and Strings, 1 Organist and 1 Percussionist. If large forces are employed, the number of instrumentalists should be increased to maintain a proportionate balance, i.e., the orchestra should never overshadow the chorus. The dynamics used by the Organist and Percussionist(s) must always be relative to the size of the ensemble as well. In this connection, for a large ensemble, use plate cymbals instead of suspended cymbal (2 percussionists will be required). At the discretion of the conductor, plate cymbals may be employed where appropriate for the somewhat smaller ensembles.