This mass setting was commissioned by the Friends of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford and first performed on Ascension Sunday, 1994. Suitable for both church and concert use, the music is both lyrical and dramatic. The “Gloria” is set for SATB divisi (all parts divide) in a quick and rhythmic mixed meter. The movement begins with a sort of call and response where Choir 1 states a motif and Choir 2 responds with the same motif (sometimes at a different pitch level.) A soloist begins the middle section, Piu Allegro (“Qui tollis”) and the first material returns, but in unison this time, at “Jesu Christe.” Duration 5:30 |
