Gloria in Excelsis

EAST TRENT CHURCHES
Besthorpe, Clifton, Collingham,
Girton, Harby, Holme, Langford, South Scarle, Thorney, Winthorpe

The Gloria is one of the most ancient of all Christian songs. It first appears in St Luke's Gospel, chapter 2 verse 14. The passages leading up to it give a clue to its context. If you remember, the Angel was speaking to the shepherds about the birth of Jesus. 'Don't be afraid' he says, And suddenly a whole host of angels appeared and sang: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!" And then the astounded shepherds said to each other 'Come on, let's go and see this for ourselves.' And they went into Bethlehem and found Jesus in a stable with Mary and Joseph . . .

The song (hymn) must have been sung initially in the temple by a cantor, with brass, woodwind, drums and cymbals (following the Jewish tradition). Gradually over the centuries drones might have been included by a choir of priests to accompany the cantor. Then eventually harmonies and other instruments would have been added as Western music cautiously developed through its various stages. Many great musicians have been inspired over the centuries to set The Gloria to music.

This E flat version has been specially composed by a talented local musician, Nicholas Wynne, for the Collingham Churches' unison choir and congregation, with organ accompaniment. The 4 bar E flat introduction, composed as a fanfare in trio form, was added by Nicholas, at the Editor's request, for inclusion in this website. Note: Nicholas has also produced a version in the lower key of D major.

Gloria in Excelsis

Four bar Fanfare Introduction

Glory to God in the highest
And peace to his people on earth,
Lord God heavenly King,
Almighty God the Father,
We worship you,
We give you thanks,
We praise you for your glory.

Lord Jesus Christ,
Only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God,
You take away the sins of the world;
Have mercy on us;
You are seated at the right hand of the Father;
Receive our prayer.

For you alone are the Holy One,
You alone are the Lord,
You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
With the Holy Spirit,
In the glory of God the Father.

Amen

© Original tune by Nicholas Wynne (2004). © This arrangement by Dr J Eric Ashton (2004).

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