Composer

:

Lennox Berkeley

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Mass

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

10:58

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Lennox Berkeley's 'Missa Brevis for chorus & organ, Op. 57' is a sacred choral work that was composed in 1959. The piece was premiered on 22nd November 1959 at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England. The work is divided into five movements, which are Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. The 'Missa Brevis' is characterized by its simplicity and clarity of texture. The work is written for a four-part choir, with occasional divisi, and is accompanied by an organ. The organ part is relatively simple, providing a supportive harmonic framework for the choir. The choral writing is predominantly homophonic, with occasional imitative passages and moments of polyphony. The Kyrie is a gentle and introspective movement, with a simple melody that is passed between the different sections of the choir. The Gloria is more exuberant, with a lively and rhythmic opening section that gives way to a more reflective middle section. The Sanctus is characterized by its soaring melodies and rich harmonies, while the Benedictus is more subdued, with a gentle and lyrical melody that is passed between the different sections of the choir. The final movement, the Agnus Dei, is a quiet and contemplative piece that brings the work to a peaceful conclusion. The choir sings a simple and plaintive melody, which is accompanied by gentle organ chords. The work as a whole is characterized by its simplicity and clarity of texture, with a focus on the beauty of the choral sound. Overall, Lennox Berkeley's 'Missa Brevis for chorus & organ, Op. 57' is a beautiful and contemplative work that is well-suited to liturgical use. Its simplicity and clarity of texture make it accessible to choirs of all levels, while its rich harmonies and soaring melodies make it a joy to sing and listen to.

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