Composer

:

Lou Harrison

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Mass

Compose Date

:

Sep 1, 1939 - Mar 12, 1952

First Performance

:

Jan 24, 1954

Average_duration

:

25:27

Lou Harrison's "Mass to Saint Anthony" is a choral work that was composed in 1939. The piece was premiered in San Francisco in 1941, and it consists of four movements. The first movement is a Kyrie, the second is a Gloria, the third is a Credo, and the fourth is a Sanctus and Agnus Dei. The "Mass to Saint Anthony" is characterized by its use of non-traditional instruments, such as the Javanese gamelan, which is a traditional Indonesian percussion ensemble. Harrison was known for his interest in non-Western music, and he incorporated elements of Javanese music into his compositions. The first movement of the "Mass to Saint Anthony" begins with a simple melody sung by the choir, which is then joined by the gamelan. The second movement is more complex, with the choir singing in harmony and the gamelan providing a rhythmic accompaniment. The third movement is the longest of the four, and it features a soloist singing the Credo in Latin. The gamelan provides a subtle accompaniment, and the choir joins in towards the end of the movement. The final movement is a combination of the Sanctus and Agnus Dei, and it features a soloist singing the Sanctus in Latin while the choir sings the Agnus Dei in English. Overall, the "Mass to Saint Anthony" is a unique and innovative choral work that showcases Harrison's interest in non-Western music. The use of the gamelan adds a distinctive element to the piece, and the combination of Latin and English lyrics creates a sense of universality and inclusivity.

More....