Te Deum, for solo baritone, mixed choir and orchestra

Commissioned by the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, for its premiere at L’Auditori de Barcelona in May 2024 under my direction.

The Te Deum was conceived for various reasons: firstly, the Latin text was chosen, a universal language for choirs worldwide.  Additionally, the work’s duration was tailored to a commission of approximately 15 minutes. Lastly, the celebratory and praise-filled nature of the text made it an ideal choice for performance by amateur choirs, given the moderate difficulty of the composition.

In order to provide both sonic and textural contrast to the work while allowing moments of repose for the chorus, I introduced a baritone soloist. The Te Deum is performed without interruption, it can be divided into four distinct sections:

The work begins with a brilliant tribute to God, featuring the resonant sounds of bells and laminated percussion, culminating in the entire choir exclaiming inging “Te Deum laudamus.” A more intimate and acute section follows, inspired by the distant song of angels. The crescendo of the orchestra leads to a euphoric Sanctus.

The second section showcases an aria performed by the baritone soloist, characterized by a reflective and intense demeanor, particularly at its peak.

A fast and dynamic third section unfolds with frequent changes in time signatures, predominantly 7/8. The choir and the orchestra dialogue with dynamic rhythmic intensity.

The final section, which can be further subdivided into three parts begins with an intervention by the baritone soloist accompanied by a soft closed-mouth choral accompaniment.  This is succeeded by a profound “Miserere“, initiated by the women of the choir. The unfolding of this section leads us back to the brilliant first theme of the work, presented in all its majestic glory.

The Te Deum was composed between October and December 2022.