Kyrie Eleison

There have been many arrangements and settings created for the text "Kyrie Eleison." Here is a 3-part (SSA) version for your older choirs. Acoustic instruments with a string section provide a very tranquil and fluid bed for your singers who, likewise, should focus on a velvety, beautiful blend, listening to each other without sticking out. Clear straight tones and proper vowel sounds are the key. (Note: There are a few different ways to pronounce Kyrie Eleison, notably with seven, six, or five syllables. Frequently the first word sort of blends into the second one as well. We have a variety of usages in this piece and have chosen our own interpretations throughout. However, you may feel free to alter any of them any way you like.)

The layout works like this: Part 1 starts out and sings all three verses. Part 2 joins in the second and third times, and part 3 sings the third time only. When part 2 enters, it could be featured somewhat since your listeners have already heard part 1. Since part 3 is lower, it might not be appropriate to feature it the third time around, so keep them all at about the same dynamic. Part 3 is at the lower end of the range so your altos and boys will shine here. There is a divisi on the last note reaching down to an A. For ease of learning, we made practice mixes of part 2 and part 3. (See details in the box on page 70.)