http://songsforpraise.com/

The "Te Deum Laudamus", sometimes called the Ambrosian Hymn because if its association with St. Ambrose, is a traditional hymn of joy and thanksgiving. First attributed to Sts. Ambrose, Augustine, or Hilary, it is now accredited to Nicetas, Bishop of Remesiana (4th century). It is still used by most Christian Churches.

It is one of the most beautiful and complete Christian prayers, but runs well over 5 Min. It gets some variaty by setting it in counterpoint with the melody (Cantus Firmus) shifting between the S, A, T, & B for each verse. (See chart below.) By having it sung slowly, and by staying with A Cappella, I hope the words are understandable. It wouldn't hurt to have the lyrics included in the program...or sung as an opening hymn. It's No. 80 in the Methodist Hymnal as "Canticle to the Holy Trinity." (With different music, of course.)

Last of all, In writing this, I have said, sang or heard this literally hundreds of times. The words go round and round in my head like a mantra. The more I hear them, the more I realize how right they are. A choir that could sing this from memory would have it in their heads for the rest of their lives. I hope that singing and hearing this touches your heart and reinforces your faith. Writing it sure did mine. Thomas Byron Parks 5/30/08

~ A Capella SATB ~ 053008 Version: ~
Click here to view score as PDF

Click here to hear music as MP3

(Listen with headphones if you can..)

This has not been sung,, so instruments are used for voices. (MIDI String Ensemble 2 for SATB)
If you use it, please send me a recording that I may use on this site, and for seeking publication.

For a widely popular paraphrase of the Te Deum Laudamus,
see my music for "Holy God We Praise Thy Name"

Cantus
Firmus
Location

~ The Te Deum Laudamus ~
English translation furnished by Fr. John Matusiak OCA
(My grouping by verse)

1. B
T
TB

We praise thee, O God we acknowledge thee to be the Lord

All the earth doth worship thee the Father everlasting.

To thee all the angels cry aloud the heavens and all the powers therein

2.    S
       A
       SA

To thee cherubim and seraphim do continually cry

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth;

heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory.

3. SATB

The glorious company of apostles praise thee.

The goodly fellowship of the prophets praise thee.

The noble army of martyrs praise thee.

4. A TB

The Holy Church throughout all the world

doth acknowledge thee; the father of an infinite majesty;

thine honourable true and only Son; also the Holy Ghost the comforter.

5. T SA

Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ.

Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.

6. S TB

When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man,

thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.

7. B SA

When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death,

thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

8. SATB

Thou sittest at the hand of God in glory to be our judge.

We therefore pray thee, help thy servants.

whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood.

9. SATB

Make them numbered with thy saints in glory everlasting.

O Lord save thy people and bless thine heritage.

Govern them and lift them up for ever

10. SATB

Day by day we magnify thee; and worship thy name,

ever world without end. Vouchsafe, O Lord to keep us this day without sin.

11. SATB

O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.

O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us, as our trust is in thee.

O Lord in thee have I trusted let me not be confounded.