Te Deum: We Praise You, O God
by J. William Greene
Choir - Sheet Music

Cantor, congregation, (choir), organ, (2 trumpets)

SKU: C5.3092

Composed by J. William Greene. Two versions of this festive hymn, both involving the congregation. General, Festival. Published by CanticaNOVA Publications (C5.3092).

J. William Greene is a master of practical liturgical writing and his new composition, Te Deum: We Praise You, O God does not disappoint. The Cantor Version (for cantor, congregation and organ) can also be sung straight through by soloist or unison choir. The Festival Version is scored for brass (2 trumpets), organ, optional cantor, congregation, and choir (2-pt, SAB, or SATB). Its flexibility is apparent in the various options for choir, from 2-part mixed to SATB. The music for the refrain (We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; all creation worships you, the Father everlasting) is drawn from the opening of the Gregorian chant Te Deum laudamus. The composer notes: "The earliest reference to the hymn Te Deum is found in the Rule of Saint Caesarius, AD 502. Traditionally sung at Matins, its authorship has been variously ascribed to Saints Ambrose, Augustine, and Hilary. Later scholarship attributes it to Nicetus of Remisiana." The Te Deum is known as a hymn of thanksgiving. It is sung every year in Rome and elsewhere on New Year's Eve in thanks for the blessings of the previous year. It is also associated with other festive occasions: episcopal consecrations, church dedications and anniversaries (for which the Greene setting was written).