Composer

:

Andrew Carter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Mass

Average_duration

:

15:46

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Missa Brevis is a choral work composed by Andrew Carter, a British composer, in 1984. The piece is written for SATB choir and organ, and it is approximately 15 minutes long. The premiere of the work was given by the choir of St. Albans Cathedral, conducted by Barry Rose, on 17th June 1984. The Missa Brevis consists of five movements: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. The piece is characterized by its simplicity and accessibility, making it a popular choice for church choirs. The Kyrie is a plaintive plea for mercy, with the choir singing in unison and the organ providing a gentle accompaniment. The Gloria is a joyful celebration of God's glory, with the choir singing in harmony and the organ providing a lively accompaniment. The Sanctus is a hymn of praise, with the choir singing in harmony and the organ providing a majestic accompaniment. The Benedictus is a quiet reflection on the coming of Christ, with the choir singing in unison and the organ providing a gentle accompaniment. The Agnus Dei is a prayer for peace, with the choir singing in harmony and the organ providing a solemn accompaniment. The Missa Brevis is notable for its use of traditional choral techniques, such as antiphonal singing and homophonic textures. The piece also features a number of solo passages, which showcase the individual voices of the choir. The organ part is relatively simple, providing a supportive accompaniment to the choir. Overall, the Missa Brevis is a beautiful and accessible choral work that has become a staple of the choral repertoire. Its simplicity and elegance make it a popular choice for church choirs, while its traditional choral techniques and solo passages make it a rewarding challenge for more experienced ensembles.

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