Sing, rejoice, a song of praise

When a choir wants to bring a true sense of classical majesty to a festive Mass, this arrangement of Mozart’s famous "Exsultate, Jubilate" is a brilliant choice. John Leavitt has taken the bright, dancing melodies of the original motet and set them to accessible English lyrics, opening with "Sing, rejoice, a song of praise." It carries all the sparkling energy of the classical era, making it a wonderful piece for a grand entrance or a triumphant recessional on major feast days.

What makes this edition particularly useful for our choir lofts is the built-in flexibility. The primary text is a general call to worship, overflowing with joyful "Alleluias" that fit perfectly during the Easter season or any Sunday of ordinary time when the liturgy calls for high praise. The vocal parts are arranged to keep that light, buoyant Mozart feel without overwhelming the singers, passing the lively phrases between the sections.

For the Christmas season, the score includes a beautiful alternative text. The opening transforms into "Christ is born, lift up your praise," and the Alleluias are swapped for "In excelsis gloria." This simple change allows the choir to learn the music once and use it to elevate the liturgy at different points in the Church year, bringing a touch of classical brilliance to the congregation.