Hymn of Praise (Te Deum)

Musically inspired by the Latin plainsong "Regina Caeli" ("Queen of Heaven") and lyrically based on the "Te Deum," Schutte has crafted a "grand and majestic hymn of praise to God, fashioned in the form of a doxology to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," scored for keyboard (most suitably organ), SAB chorus (with descant), and guitar. The mixed meter of the piece follows the musical shape of the plainchant, itself derived from the speech rhythms of the text. The piece can be further augmented by instrument parts for Horn in F, violins, and cello (available online).