Psalm 150
The resounding opening chordal style of Psalm 150 introduces a jubilant motive in the upper voices that gives a solid foundation for the contrasting bass part. The text “Let all that has breath praise him,” is delivered simply in the contrasting middle section. The work finishes with a soaring optional descant perfect to show off your soloist or small group. In Latin with English translation included above the music. Appropriate for contest and festival use.
Check out other music for SATB choir
Laudate Dominum in sanctis ejus; laudate eum in firmamento virtutis ejus.
Laudate eum in virtutibus ejus; laudate eum secundum multitudinem magnitudinis ejus.
Laudate eum in sono tubae; laudate eum in psalterio et cithara.
Laudate eum in tympano et choro; laudate eum in chordis et organo.
Laudate eum in cymbalis benesonantibus; laudate eum in cymbalis jubilationis.
Omnis spiritus laudet Dominum!
Praise ye the Lord in his holy places: praise ye him in the firmament of his power.
Praise ye him for his mighty acts: praise ye him according to the multitude of his greatness.
Praise him with the sound of trumpet: praise him with psaltery and harp.
Praise him with timbrel and choir: praise him with strings and organs.
Praise him on high sounding cymbals: praise him on cymbals of joy:
let every spirit praise the Lord.
A Festival of Praise
Psalm 150 by American composer Michael John Trotta is a vibrant and energetic choral work. It is written for an unaccompanied four-part mixed choir (SATB). The piece brings a rhythmic flair to one of the most famous songs of praise in history. In the Bible, Psalm 150 serves as a dramatic finale to the Book of Psalms. It commands the whole world to praise God using everything from trumpets and harps to loud, joyful cymbals.
Trotta takes these historic words and turns them into a high-energy anthem. He preserves the traditional Latin text, titled Laudate Dominum in sanctis eius. This choice gives the piece a timeless, sacred atmosphere. However, his use of syncopated pulses and modern choral colors gives it a distinct festival feel. The entire composition acts as an explosion of pure joy.
Ancient Lyrics (Psalm 150) ──> Opening Rhythms ──> Lyrical Center ──> Final Climax
[Traditional Latin] [Jubilant Chords] [Smooth Phrasing] [Soaring Descant]
Vocal Contrast and Structure
The architecture of Trotta’s setting relies heavily on vocal contrast. The work bursts open with a resounding chordal style. The high voices (sopranos and altos) deliver a fast, jubilant motive. This bright motive sets up a solid foundation for the rest of the choir. Right after, the low voices (tenors and basses) jump in with an energetic counter-melody. The driving rhythms skip across the voice parts to mimic the bouncing sounds of ancient instruments.
In the middle of the piece, Trotta provides a peaceful rest from the fast rhythms. The text shifts to focus on the line, “Let all that has breath praise him”. Here, the choir switches to a smooth, flowing style. This section gives singers a chance to display beautiful, lyrical phrasing and warm tone colors.
The calm moment does not last long, as the joyful opening themes quickly return. The piece races toward a thrilling finish. To make the ending stand out, Trotta added a soaring optional soprano descant. This high solo melody floats above the final block chords of the choir. Because it is a medium-difficulty piece, it has become a favorite choice for school competitions and honor choir festivals.
The piece stands out for its clever use of a traditional form called a rondo. This structural layout keeps the energetic “Laudate” theme returning like a catchy chorus. Between these joyful returns, Trotta inserts different musical episodes that match the changing mood of the text.
By passing the main vocal motive between the sections, he creates a vivid conversation between the singers. This constant motion makes the anthem exciting for both performers and audiences. The piece ultimately stays true to the historical intent of the psalm. It serves as a true celebration of life, faith, and music.
