MISSA PRO PACE

The Latin Mass has always been a source of inspiration for numerous composers, many of whom produced works of immense musical and spiritual value, such as the Polyphonic Masses by Palestrina and a number of his contemporaries. Other, more recent examples include works by Bach and Mozart, Beethoven and Verdi: absolute masterpieces in the history of music. MISSA PRO PACE, composed in 1986, is unique in that it was written for choir and band. We must go back at least one century to find records of anything similar in Italy. The choral part, in both the quartet and choir versions, is austere and dignified. Characterised by the absence of virtuosities, a sense of communion and spirituality pervades the entire work. The general choir conveys the wealth of traditional choral expressions. Likewise, the band either provides a light accompaniment for the choral melody or enhances its solemnity. The Mass can be performed as a whole (the 5 parts in sequence) or as separate parts, to accompany the liturgy. The work can also be performed without the choir.