COMPOSER’S NOTE:
The ancient text of the Roman Mass has been set by composers for over 1100 years since the first chant settings of the Kyrie. Missa Brevis is a short form of the Mass, generally omitting at least the long Credo text, and has been a popular choral genre for composers of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Ever since hearing Gabriel Fauré’s Messe Basse for the first time in 1982 when I began working with the Phoenix Boys Choir, I had wanted to compose a setting for this lovely text. For that reason, the work is dedicated to Harvey K. Smith, conductor of the Phoenix Boys Choir from 1960 –1999, and mentor to me in my early years of choral conducting. The dedication also includes Harold Best, my first composition instructor, whose guidance still resonates 40 years later.
The “Kyrie” text versification is beautifully done, with the “Christe eleison” being particularly effective. The reverent setting of the “Sanctus” uses surprising, ringing harmonies; the key change of F Major to D Major is especially beautiful. The “Benedictus” is more expressive, using divisi in the simple harmonies. The “Agnus Dei,” in G Major, is quite graceful, ending with elegant counterpoint composed in three parts.
Choral Newsletter
Spectrum Music, Lexington, MA
Text
Sung in Latin (Translation in italics)
Kyrie
Kyrie eleison Lord have mercy
Christe eleison Christ have mercy,
Kyrie eleison Lord have mercy.
Sanctus
Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus Holy, holy, holy
Dominus Deus Sabaoth Lord God of Sabaoth
Pleni sunt ceoli et terra Heaven and earth are full of your glory
gloria tua
Hosanna in excelsis Hosanna in the highest.