Missa Brevis- Michael Ferguson

Description

Michael Ferguson’s crystalline writing and transparent texture are sensitive to the Mass text. The “Kyrie” is quiet and subdued, supported by a modal organ accompaniment. The “Gloria” adds rhythmic variety, changing occasionally into triple meter. The “Sanctus” and “Benedictus’ are both quiet movements with the “Benedictus” sung as a soprano solo. The “Agnus Dei” is reflective in character with the final “dona nobis pacem” fading to “PPP”. This unison Mass is accessible not only to adult choirs, but to youth choirs as well.