Gospel Acclamations in the hymn books

These are a selection of the possible Gospel Acclamations in Celebration for Everyone and Laudate. I have used all of them at some time.

CFE#410 L#710 Celtic Alleluia

This one needs no introduction from me. We usually find that people know it so well they join in straight away.

CFE#413 L#539 Taizé Alleluia 7

Probably the best known of all the Taizé settings. The harmonies are very easy to sing, even if you don’t use all the parts. The verse can also be spoken over the top of the held note if you don’t have a cantor. Listen here.

CFE#412 L#534 Salisbury Alleluia

This one is excellent for a big occasion though you do need reasonably good resources. The verses are quite long so it is very good for accompanying a long procession. Here is a video of it being used live (as the Alleluia Psalm at the Easter Vigil).

CFE#411 Gospel Acclamation Mass of Creation

At first sight this looks as though it was meant for Lent. But it does use Alleluia! Note that this is not in the book of the revised edition of the Mass of Creation. It is, however, in the original collection and, as the words of this part have not changed there is no problem with using it. It is available separately from GIA as an octavo which includes a flute part.

L#543 African Alleluia

A much quieter setting that will work flexibly as it can just be repeated as needed. Either omit the verse or have it spoken slowly over the top of the singing.

L#294 Jesus is Lord

Viewers of a well-known cookery program may recognise this tune. Ignore that and use the piece as it is excellent for a big feast like Pentecost.

L#62 Gospel Acclamation for Advent

Written for the four Sundays of Advent with specific verses for each. Miss out the last couple of bars of accompaniment if it is beyond your keyboard skills. You do need a cantor for the verses though. It is available from OCP where the octavos have harmony for the choir. It is fine in unison though.

CFE#414 L#186 Glory and praise to you

A useful acclamation for Lent that can be used with guitars as well as organ.

CFE#415 L#183 Praise to you, O Christ

I would thoroughly recommend this setting of the Lenten Gospel Acclamation. It works perfectly well unaccompanied and is easily memorised so it could be used on weekdays as well.

CFE#416 L#200 Praise to you, O Christ, our Saviour

While there are a lot of words in this song it makes and excellent Gospel Acclamation for Lent. You may decide not to use the verses if you use it for this purpose. In addition, it works equally well as a song at other parts of the Mass.

L#184/5 Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

A simple setting for Lent with verses for most Sundays during the season. This setting is also in Resurrexit from Decani Music with verses for Holy Week.