Missa Brevis began as a wedding gift for friends of the composer. The Sanctus and Agnus Dei were written for that purpose in 1980. The entire work was completed over the course of the next three years. It received its premiere performance nearly twenty years later by the Elmer Iseler Singers, Lydia Adams director, on February 5, 1999, as winning the composition in the Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition for that year. Kyrie, Credo, and Agnus Dei borrow directly from liturgical chant, or are otherwise inspired by the spirit of that repertoire. Missa Brevis is intended both for liturgical and concert use, and may be performed by a quartet or chamber choir. Duration: 14:00