Venite exultemus Domino [HL:14037804]

Text: Psalm 95 (Book of Common Prayer: Morning Prayer)

Publisher: Chester Music

Difficulty level: 1-2

This work was not published in Britten's lifetime but it was obviously intended as a companion work to the Jubilate in C as it was written in the same year. It wasnt performed until 1983 when it was given its premiere in Westminster Abbey under Simon Preston. The choir sings chant-like phrases almost in the manner of Anglican chant. The organ joins the end of a phrase and modulates where it will from where the choir picks up and travels to a further place. The phrases are varied dynamically but the greatest colour is given via the medium of key change.It is a curiously effective piece. Time is almost suspended, and once the listener has got over the surprise at its means and has settled into focusing on the words, the music takes on a life of its own. The gentle Gloria is especially effective.

Duration: 6 minutes

Paul Spicer, Lichfield, 2011