Composer

:

Douglas Knehans

Genre

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

20:00

Missa Brevis is a choral work composed by Douglas Knehans, an American composer, in 2015. The piece was premiered on October 25, 2015, by the Cincinnati Camerata, a professional chamber choir, at the Knox Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Missa Brevis is a setting of the traditional Latin Mass text, consisting of five movements: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Benedictus. The piece is scored for SATB choir, with occasional divisi, and is accompanied by a string quartet and piano. The Kyrie movement begins with a soft and gentle choral introduction, followed by a more intense and dramatic section. The Gloria movement is characterized by its rhythmic energy and lively tempo, with the choir and string quartet interweaving in a complex and intricate pattern. The Sanctus movement is marked by its soaring melodies and lush harmonies, with the choir and string quartet building to a powerful climax. The Agnus Dei movement is more subdued and introspective, with the choir and string quartet creating a haunting and ethereal atmosphere. The final movement, Benedictus, is a joyful and celebratory piece, with the choir and string quartet coming together in a triumphant and exultant finale. Overall, the Missa Brevis is a beautiful and moving work, characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate textures, and expressive melodies. Knehans' use of the traditional Latin Mass text, combined with his unique compositional style, creates a powerful and emotional musical experience for both performers and audiences alike.

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