Laudate pueri Dominum

Use: General
Required Resources: SATB choir, organ
Language: Latin

Presented as a rondo in ABACA form, this energetic and rhythmic Latin-text setting from Psalm 113 is sure to delight both choir and congregation. Mr. Geiger creates a sense of forward impetus with a crisp organ accompaniment and an ingeniously natural alternation of measures in 6/8 and 5/8 time.

The "rondo" section (part A) uses only repetitions of the text Laudate pueri Dominum, laudate nomen Domini "Praise, you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord." The "verses" between these rondo sections are settings of the texts Sit nomen Domini benedictum "Blessed be the name of the Lord" and Ex hoc nunc et usque in sæculum "Both now and forever," in common time.

Useful on any Sunday in Ordinary Time, especially when a praise theme is in order, Laudate pueri Dominum is particularly appropriate when Psalm 113 occurs as the Responsorial Psalm: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (C), Feasts of Apostles or The Blessed Virgin Mary, Masses of the Holy Name of Jesus, or Masses in Thanksgiving. Psalm 113 is typically used in the Liturgy of the Hours during First Vespers (Evening Prayer I), notably on Christmas, Sunday of Week III, and the Commons of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pastors, Virgins, Holy Men and Holy Women.

Because the "verses" of Laudate pueri Dominum include the text from the Pontifical Blessing, this would make a suitable anthem of praise for any visit by the bishop to the parish (Confirmation, Anniversary of Dedication, Installation of Pastor, etc.).