Mary commented that the Gloria from this mass had a vocal range that was beyond even musically adept assemblies. I fear this gorgeous tune may be a problem for other reasons. The 4/4 to 3/4 shift that occurs several times sounds fine to me after about twenty listens, but I suspect it would be difficult to teach.
You will also note the added repetitions to the text, which allow the tune to fly but may not be to everyone’s preference.
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
This parish is having no trouble with the timings:
Ironically, this is one piece that is working well for us! The people with formal musical training don’t like it so much (slight understatement!!) because of the time .sig issue. But the musicians who learn and play by ear like it. And our congregation has picked it up so well that I’m almost brave enough to schedule it in weeks when we sing unaccompanied.
I felt compelled to reply to this. We sing this Gloria all the time in our parish, in parts and in correct time. Yes there are a lot of time changes but when done at correct speed and in parts it sounds absolutely beautiful.
Wow! Where are you located, Kia?