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Historical Narrative
Composed by Betty Jackson King, this radiant choral work was dedicated to The Riverside Church Choir in New York City—one of the nation’s most renowned church choirs, known for its excellence under legendary directors such as Virgil Fox and Frederick Swann.
According to her obituary, King worked with the Riverside Church School Choirs after moving to Wildwood, New Jersey, where she also gained national recognition as a composer and lecturer. In 1972, she presented “An Evening of Compositions by Betty Jackson King” at Riverside Church.
Copyrighted in 1975, Gloria in Excelsis Deo reflects both her creative brilliance and the enduring influence of Riverside’s rich choral legacy.
Musical Description
Set in the key of G major and marked Maestoso, Gloria in Excelsis Deo opens with bold, homophonic chords that capture the splendor of angelic proclamation. The steady tempo and majestic style give the work a dignified grandeur, making it ideal as a processional or festival introit.
The writing features strong parallel motion between voices, firm harmonic grounding in the bass, and luminous soprano lines that soar above the ensemble. Betty Jackson King’s mastery of choral sonority is evident in her use of dynamic contrast—ranging from stately forte statements to triumphant climaxes.
The score also includes an alternate Easter text (“Christ is ris’n, Alleluia”), allowing directors to program it in multiple liturgical contexts. The piano part, marked “for rehearsal only,” underscores its intended a cappella performance, though optional accompaniment can aid smaller choirs in rehearsal or performance.