Composed in 2024, Amundson's wonderful new work, In Excelsis Deo was commissioned by First Plymouth Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. It is scored for an orchestra of reduced winds with 5-octave handbell choir.
This lively and jubilant Holiday-themed piece includes generous quotes of well-known carols, Angels We Have Heard on High and Angels from the Realms of Glory. Woodwinds and piano musically portray angelic flight while the brass signals joyful celebration of the Holidays. This is the fourth work that Amundson has composed for orchestra with handbells, which have received over 200 performances throughout the United States.
The instrumentation for In Excelsis Deo is: 1 FL doubling piccolo, 1 oboe, 1 clarinet, 1 bassoon, 1 horn, 2 trumpets,1 trombone, 1 tuba, timpani plus 1 percussionist, piano and strings. A second trombone may be used instead of tuba.
The score and orchestral parts are available for rent.
Handbell parts are available for purchase.