This rhythmic setting of the traditional Te Deum text (in English) is ideal for Easter Day, dedication or anniversary of a church, dedication of an organ, or any festive service of thanksgiving. The pre-recorded heavenly voices add an unforgettable aura to this brilliant work. The easy choral writing make it an ideal “mass choir anthem” for a choral festival.
Dedicated to the memory of Dorothy Stimson Bullitt and composed for the Centennial Anniversary of St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, July 1989. Published in 1992. The work was substantially revised after publication in preparation for recording in 2010. The version on that recording vaguely resembles the version published.
From the performance notes by Carl Crosier found inside the cover: For the potential listeners, it is important to maintain an element of surprise regarding the taped material. Thus Centennial Te Deum should not be advertised as a piece for choir, brass, percussion, and pre-recorded tape. The name of the sound engineer should be placed rather inconspicuously in your bulletin or program. And it is important to tell the choristers not to talk about the taped material with others in advance of the performance. This piece will have much more impact if the listener does not expect the taped “heavenly voices.”
Lyrics
See The Book of Common Prayer (1979).
