‘Hallelujah’ is ephemera, light, dancing around, sing as an individual and almost as if to yourself. The pronunciation of hallelujah is messed with considerably - it will move in and out of sounding like nonsense - hallelalelalelujah - some of it may twist tongues and slip - the most important thing is that it flows. All that need be perceived is that it is made out of wafts and whisps of hallelujah. Each syllable is more of a slurred blur than a received pronunciation delivery. It is almost just a textured melisma. hah - leh - loo - yah or hah - leh - lah - leh - loo - yah. Breathe wherever although naturally at the beginning and end of the little runs. This material is background to the Amens.

 

‘Amen’ is open and, as all amens are, sincere. It should float above the filigree of Hallelujah.

 

Hallelujah amen & Sanctus O should be performed as if they are for a cathedral somewhere, a long time ago. Phrase and shape as such.

 

Oliver Leith