Hosanna in Excelsis – Mack Wilberg | Pachelbel Canon in D SATB Choir

Hosanna in Excelsis by Mack Wilberg – Based on Pachelbel's Canon in D

Hosanna in Excelsis by Mack Wilberg transforms one of classical music's most recognizable works—Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D—into a magnificent sacred anthem for SSAATTBB choir and organ.

Using the words “Hosanna in excelsis Deo”, Wilberg weaves the choral voices over the familiar ground bass of Pachelbel's Canon. The music gradually grows in texture, intensity, and dynamic range, building toward glorious climactic swells while retaining the peaceful, contemplative character that makes the original Canon so beloved.

Listen to Hosanna in Excelsis by Mack Wilberg

Hear Mack Wilberg's breathtaking choral adaptation of Pachelbel's Canon in D performed by The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

Pachelbel's Canon in D Reimagined for Choir

Choir directors looking for a fresh choral setting of Canon in D will find something special in Wilberg's arrangement. Rather than simply adding voices to Pachelbel's famous melody, the eight-part SSAATTBB writing becomes part of the musical architecture, with vocal lines carefully interwoven over the repeating Canon bass.

The result combines the familiarity of Pachelbel with the expansive choral sound associated with Mack Wilberg and The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

Hosanna in Excelsis – Music Details

• Title: Hosanna in Excelsis
• Music: Johann Pachelbel
• Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
• Based on: Canon in D, P. 37
• Text: Sacred text based on Matthew 21:9
• Voicing: SSAATTBB mixed choir
• Accompaniment: Organ
• Alternate Accompaniment: Organ part may be adapted for piano four-hands
• Format: Choral octavo / vocal score
• Duration: Approximately 4 minutes
• Pages: 12
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISBN: 9780193572782

Performed by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

Hosanna in Excelsis was written for The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square and has been performed by the ensemble under Mack Wilberg's direction. Its combination of Pachelbel's beloved music with Wilberg's rich choral writing creates the kind of broad, resonant sound for which the Choir is known.

A Striking Choice for Christmas, Palm Sunday & Sacred Concerts

Although Hosanna in Excelsis has been featured in Christmas performances, the anthem is not limited to Christmas. Its brief sacred text and celebratory character make it useful throughout the church year and especially appropriate for sacred concerts and services centered on praise.

The “Hosanna” text also makes the work a natural consideration for Palm Sunday, while the familiarity of Canon in D gives audiences an immediate musical connection to the piece.

Can Hosanna in Excelsis Be Played on Piano?

Yes. Although the published accompaniment is written for organ, Oxford notes that the organ part may be adapted for piano four-hands, with the secondo pianist doubling the organ pedal line in octaves.

Order Hosanna in Excelsis by Mack Wilberg from Teton Music for your church choir, community choir, collegiate ensemble, sacred concert, or upcoming choral program.