The Te Deum, known in Spanish as “A ti, Dios”, is one of the first known Christian hymns. It is common for this to be recited in monastic communities during the liturgy of the hours, the set of prayers and official prayers of the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican Churches outside of Masses; however, this is widely known to be the traditional Thanksgiving liturgy or celebration. It is sung, in the same way, at Masses celebrated on special occasions, such as canonization or when a Pope is elected (the cardinals are in charge of singing the song and, later, in cathedrals all over the world, it is sung to thank for the new pontiff).
This chant has inspired numerous Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassic, Romantic, Modern, Avant-garde and contemporary composers who created musical pieces similar to Te deum. Some even translated the lyrics into English, so that Anglo-Saxon society could enjoy the hymn. recently, symphony orchestras have performed melodic performances of it. In this, God and Christ are praised, in addition to exalting the Church and its work; Finally, he is begged for mercy, to offer protection and salvation to humanity.
In some countries, such as Spain, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and the Dominican Republic, a Te deum is sung when national or patriotic holidays are celebrated. In the same way, the Pope, every December 31 in the afternoon, is in charge of singing it for the community, in gratitude for the year that has already been lived.
