LORD, HAVE MERCY / GLORIA

This score brings together two essential parts of the Introductory Rites of the Mass: the Kyrie and the Gloria. Arranged in tonic sol-fa by C.D. Okorie and G.M. TerKimbi, it offers choirs a complete, flowing sequence to lead the congregation from the penitential act straight into joyful praise.

The piece opens with "Lord, Have Mercy," marked *Dolce* (sweetly). It carries a gentle, pleading tone, with the voices layering a humble request for God's grace. Once the absolution is complete, the mood shifts entirely. The "Gloria" bursts in at a bright *Allegro* pace, driven by a lively, rhythmic refrain. The English verses are anchored by the recurring Latin response "In excelsis Deo" sung by the lower voices, giving the arrangement a wonderful call-and-response texture.

We often pull out settings like this for festive Sundays and solemnities where the choir needs to lift the energy of the Mass. The structured verses allow the different voice parts to shine individually before everyone joins together for the grand, unified "Amen" that brings the hymn to a close.