Te Deum laudamus

Latin hymn or psalm in ‘rhythmical prose’, possibly by Nicetas of Remesiana (c. 400). It is in three sections: a hymn to the Trinity, a hymn to Christ, and a series of prayers. The first part is set to a psalmodic formula ending on G, and the second to a similar formula ending on E. It concluded with a more extended melody in the same mode to the words ‘Aeterna fac’. The third part makes further use of these last two melodies.

The Te Deum was set in polyphony during the Middle Ages, especially in England, for voices or organ in alternation with the plainsong. It became a normal part of the Anglican ‘Morning Service’ and it has also been set in English for occasions of rejoicing (for example, by Handel and Walton). The Latin text has often been set with orchestral accompaniment by composers such as Haydn, Berlioz, Bruckner, and Kodály.