The Gloria or Glory to God is one the most important things we should be singing at Mass. This is especially true at Christmas time. The Gloria is the song of the angels. The song that was sung to the shepherds in the fields around Bethlehem to announce the birth of the Saviour.
However, we need to remember that Christmas time can bring many people to our churches who are not used to singing the Gloria. Indeed, they may not be used to singing any parts of the Mass and it is our duty as music ministers to make it as easy as possible for them to join in and celebrate fully.
One way of encouraging participation in the Gloria especially is to use a setting that sounds familiar. The settings suggested here are all derived from the hymn tune ‘Gloria’. What is that you ask? It’s the tune that we use for the carol ‘Angels we have heard on high’.
A Christmas Gloria – Paul Gibson
This was probably the first Gloria to use the famous gloria refrain and it has been revised for the new translation. You will need a cantor or choir to sing the verses, but the refrain is the chorus from ‘Angels we have heard’ and, as such, is extremely accessible for the congregation. The octavo now includes other Mass parts that are also based on carol tunes.
A Joyful Christmas Gloria – arr Jeanne Cotter/Tony Alonso
This setting also makes use of ‘Angels we have heard on high’. The verses are much more closely aligned with the original tune which will make it easier for the cantor/choir to learn. A rather nice descant for the refrain. An easier alternative accompaniment is included, and the two versions may be played concurrently. There is a key change before verse 3. The congregation may need encouragement as to when to join in if you are doing the harmonies. Scroll down the page on GIA to see a video with the score showing.
Christmas Gloria – Rory Cooney
Another version using ‘Angels we have heard’ as the basis and as the refrain for the assembly. This one has chant verses which have harmony for the choir if desired. Verses 1 and 2 modulate back into the ‘tune’ while verse 3 is sung over the top of the refrain.
Christmas Gloria – Daniel W Laginya
Yes, it uses the Gloria refrain but sounds more traditional in feel. The verses could be sung by a cantor but there are choir harmonies if you want them. I think this version combines new music for the verses with the familiar refrain for the congregation extremely well.
Gloria de Noël – Thomas Niel
This setting is based more on ‘Angels we have heard in heaven’ but essentially it is the same refrain for the assembly. The verses here are in Latin and this setting would be a good challenge for a competent choir. (Musically challenge though not because of the language!)
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