Q: What is the preference when singing the Gloria? Some people say it should be sung from beginning to end. Others say a refrain sung between ‘verses’ is OK. Which way is most appropriate?
==
A: I’m not sure if your Australian bishops have weighed in on this, but the USCCB permits a Gloria with refrain, but prefers one that is through-composed. From Sing to the Lord (149): “While through-composed settings of the Gloria give the clearest expression to the text, the addition of refrains is permitted, provided the refrains encourage congregational participation.”
Personally, I prefer a Gloria without a refrain. The refrains become tedious. People can learn an entire Gloria. It shouldn’t be that hard.