Glory Be to God

When the choir strikes up Jude Anuforo’s "Glory Be to God," the atmosphere in the church immediately lifts. This setting of the Gloria captures the sheer joy of the angelic hymn, driven by a lively rhythm that feels right at home in a Nigerian Catholic Mass. The melody is bright and straightforward, inviting everyone in the pews to join the celebration.

We sing the Gloria to praise God simply for who He is, and this arrangement reflects that pure adoration. Anuforo breaks the long liturgical text into manageable, rhythmic verses. A special touch in this score is the instruction for the Tenors and Basses to anchor the end of each verse with a resounding "glory to the Most High." This call-and-response dynamic keeps the momentum going and gives the lower voices a moment to shine.

Choirs typically bring this out during the Introductory Rites on Sundays and feast days. It is a piece that requires energy and a steady tempo. When the voices unite on the refrain—"Glory, glory be to God O!"—it creates a wonderful moment of shared worship that sets a joyful tone for the rest of the liturgy.