Missa Brevis

“Missa Brevis” is a contemporary and lyrical work for SAB, TB, or SA/treble chorus and piano or organ, suitable for liturgical services and concert settings. The work’s modular composition allows for each movement to stand alone. For example, the Agnus Dei may be presented separately as a choral communion hymn while the Gloria could serve as an anthem. In concert settings, the order may be changed, such as placing the Gloria as the final movement to create a festive conclusion.

In the Sanctus, the Benedictus section is optional as noted at measure 25. The Benedictus can be performed separately as needed. In that case, the accompanist should play introductory measures (refer to item “A” on the last page of the complete score) before starting at measure 26 of the Sanctus and continuing to its conclusion. Alternatively, to connect the Benedictus with the Agnus Dei, it’s possible to transpose the Benedictus section down a half step from B major to B flat major and start the Agnus Dei after the Benedictus ends. This transposition retains all the original notes in the Benedictus (apart from the key change) and ensures a smooth progression to the Agnus Dei in D flat major. Refer to item “B” on the last page of the complete score for the musical introduction in B flat major.

In this recording, the Seattle Choral Company performs the SAB version. To meet the service requirements, the Benedictus is sung separately from the Sanctus. Later in the service, the Benedictus was sung along with the Agnus Dei during communion. For details on how to perform this modified version of the “Missa Brevis” in a service, refer to the Program Notes and the Sanctus section at measure
25.

Text

I. Kyrie
Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

(Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.)

II. Gloria
Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis. Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te,
glorificamus te. Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens. Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe, Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis; qui tollis peccata mundi, suscipe deprecationem nostram. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis. Quoniam tu solus Sanctus, tu solus Dominus, tu solus Altissimus, Jesu Christe, cum Sancto Spiritu, in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.

(Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.)

III. Sanctus + Benedictus
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua. Hosanna in excelsis.

(Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.)

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Hosanna in excelsis.

(Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.)

IV. Agnus Dei
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.

(Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.)