Peruvian Gloria (Glory to God)

This folk-style hymn of praise is based on a traditional Peruvian song, Gloria a Dios.

It has been has been published and shared many times; various people and companies have claimed that they own the copyright, but this applies to the specific musical layout/arrangement - most sources have concluded that the basic tune is based on an old Peruvian folk tune and thus in the public domain, and that is is not known who originally set the the lyrics to the tune.

Some people have recommended that it should be sung acapella (ie unaccompanied) or only with by bongos or other rhythm instruments. However various instrumental accompaniments have been prepared - and these are copyright, so cannot be shared here.

The PowerPoint slides are in two versions: one for use with a Cantor, the other for alternating sides (decide in advance whose left and right should be used - the congregation's view is probably best).

In some places,"to her by glory forever" is used in the third verse, in line with ancient traditions of referring to the Divine Feminine. However in some churches/traditions this is offensive.

The text is a Trinitarian hymn of praise. Although it starts with the phrase "Glory to God", it is quite different to the English-language text of the "Gloria". Despite this, some churches use it in place of the "Gloria" because of the simple memorable tune and the leader/response style.

It has been translated into various languages, including:

Irish - Glóir do Dhia

Downloads

Lead sheet in Em
(melody + guitar chords)

Multi-cultural anthem using the Peruvian "Gloria" and original material by Hal Hopson, arranged for SATB choir

PowerPoint slides
cantor and response

PowerPoint slides
left and right

Examples

Cantor and choir, with guitar:

Leader and small group, rhythm accompaniment:

Primary school choir with keyboard and percussion:

Cantor and small group with band -professional recording:

Cantor and choir, unaccompanied:

Cantor and congregation, recorded live in a church service:

Instrumental version - keyboard

Lyrics

Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
To him be glory forever.
To him be glory forever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia amen, alleluia ame—n.

Glory to God, glory to God, son of the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, son of the Father.
To him be glory forever.
To him be glory forever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia amen, alleluia ame—n.

Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
To him be glory forever.
To him be glory forever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia amen, alleluia ame—n.