Plaudite, Psallite

This Latin text, most famously set by Giovanni Gabrieli in his 1597 motet Plaudite, omnis terra, is an amalgamation of phrases from several psalms. Writing in the shadow of the pandemic, I was inspired by the exuberant character of this text and created a piece that is full of energy, vitality, and joy.

I was also inspired by the harmonies and textures of early music: trumpet fanfares, modality, hocketing, plainchant, and organum ornamentation. These influences are meshed with the rhythmic drive of rock music to create a piece that pays homage to both sacred and secular affirmations of life.