Gloria

The Gloria is a work full of contrasts. Chris Williams demonstrates his brilliant ability with word setting, perfectly matching the mood of the text to the music. He takes his singers on a breathtaking musical journey through all the changing moods of the piece, allowing them to let go and enjoy the exhilarating, vibrant rhythms of the faster sections and then to draw breath and relax back into the more calm and reflective passages.

Full score and instrumental parts available on request.

The combination of instruments when performed with full orchestra, explores a wide variety of musical colours within the orchestra. The percussion section plays a central role particularly in the opening where they emulate the sound of steel drums. The effective use of an off stage brass quartet helps create the calm and ethereal atmosphere in the more reflective moments.

As with all Chris’ music, it is accessible and offers singers and audiences something a little different with its catchy rhythmic portrayal of the text.

As a conductor it is easy to programme, sitting happily alongside a wide range of repertoire in both large and small scale concerts. The work is also available with a piano duet version as an alternative to the full orchestra.

Orchestra:

• 2 Flutes (2nd doubling piccolo)
• 2 Oboes-2 Clarinets in B flat (2nd doubling bass clarinet)
• 2 Bassoons
• 4 Horns
• 4 Trumpets
• 2 Trombones
• 1 Bass trombone
• 1 Tuba
• Timpani Percussion – triangle, bass drum, cymbals, tam-tam, tubular bells, xylophone, marimba, vibraphone
• Piano
• Strings