Clapping Gloria / Gloria, Gloria in Excelsis Deo

This folk-style hymn of glory was written by English Roman Catholic teacher and composer, Mike Anderson. It is part of his setting, Mass of the Risen Lord, and is a paraphrase of the liturgical Glory to God.

Because there are so many setting of the text, it is usually known as the Clapping Gloria, after the rhythm-indication in the chorus. Some people use it mainly as a hymn, or a setting of the Glory to God, for children.

Hymn-books which it has been published in include:

21st Century Folk Hymnal, Kevin Mayhew Publications, England,1999
Celebration Hymnal for Everyone, McCrimmon Publications, England, 1994 and 2012

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Anderson . Sheet music is available, free, from Anderson's own website (link below).

A Spanish-language version is available on the Six Maddens website.

When a group of people are singing this hymn, it is good to agree in advance how to pronounce "excelsis": options include "egg-shell-sis" "x-kell-sis" etc: In formal choirs, the music-director usually tells people what to do for this word.

Images from Pexels

Downloads

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Lead sheet (melody + guitar chords), free from the composer's website

Buy Mass of the Risen Lord from Amazon

Examples

Original recording by Mike Anderson - leader and small group with band:

Small choir with backing track:

Signer and band, professional recording:

Singer with guitar - no clapping:

Instrumental - organ:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this video. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis Deo,
Gloria, Gloria, in excelsis Deo.

1 Lord God, heavenly King, peace you bring to us ...

2 Jesus, Saviour of all, Lord God, Lamb of God ...

3 At the Father's right hand, Lord, receive our prayer ...

4 Glory, Father and Son, Glory, Holy Spirit ...