Gaudeamus Omnes

'Composed in 2009, this short, celebratory introit was the first of several unaccompanied works I composed for Matthew Owens and the Wells Cathedral Girl Choristers. The text ('Let us all rejoice') exists in a number of versions, and here honours 'all the saints, at whose solemnly the angels rejoice'. The texture, essentially imitative, is governed by a syncopated melodic phrase which gives way to softer material in the middle section. The return of the opening idea drives the piece towards a broad, jubilant conclusion. The work was arranged for SSATB in 2010 for the Exon Singes Festival, the upper parts unaltered. 'John Phibbs