GLORIA

When the choir launches into the "Gloria in excelsis Deo," it is always a moment of profound joy in the Mass. This Latin setting by Jude Nnam takes the ancient, universal text of the Church and infuses it with the vibrant, rhythmic choral energy that Nigerian Catholic choirs know and love. Singing the Gloria in Latin connects the loft to centuries of continuous worship, while the lively vocal arrangements keep the liturgy feeling fresh and deeply uplifting.

The music moves naturally through the traditional sections of the hymn. It shifts from the bright, high praise of "Laudamus te" and "Glorificamus te" into the more solemn, reverent petitions of "qui tollis peccata mundi," before driving toward a triumphant, polyphonic "Amen." It is an excellent choice for festive Masses, solemnities, and the joyful seasons of Christmas and Easter. While mastering the Latin phrasing and the interlocking voice parts might take a little extra focus during rehearsal, the majestic sound of the full choir coming together makes it entirely worth the effort.