Exceeding Glad

"Exceeding Glad" is a brilliant, majestic chorus drawn from George Frideric Handel’s Coronation Anthems. Originally composed for royal celebrations, this movement sets the joyful words of Psalm 21, rejoicing in the strength and salvation of the Lord. In our choir lofts, it is a beloved choice for grand festive occasions, choral competitions, and solemnities where a powerful classical work is needed to elevate the atmosphere.

Singing this piece is a thrilling experience for any choir. The music bounds forward with a lively, contrapuntal energy, passing the triumphant phrase "Exceeding glad shall he be" between the voice parts before uniting in the sweeping runs on "of thy salvation." It requires bright, precise singing and a steady tempo to capture Handel’s signature Baroque brilliance. When the voices finally converge on those grand, concluding chords, it leaves both the singers and the listeners uplifted by its sheer celebratory joy.