MESSE BREVE No. 7

The Messe Brève No. 7 “aux Chapelles” by Charles Gounod is one of the most well-known and frequently performed sacred compositions of the French composer. Originally composed in 1876 for organ and two voices, it was later revised by Gounod himself, who created a version for organ and four-part choir around 1890.
The mass is divided into five sections: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, O Salutaris, and Agnus Dei. Easy to perform, it is well suited to a wind ensemble due to the clarity of its themes and the immediacy of its harmonic progressions, which allow the entire ensemble to express itself effectively throughout the different musical moments.
This version, arranged by Giovanni Bruni, can be performed with or without a choir, which may be four-part, as in the original, or single-voice in the popular choir or solo voice version. Additionally, an optional section, 4bis Benedictus, has been included, using the music of O Salutaris with the text of Benedictus, allowing it to be performed during liturgical celebrations as well.