A Little Jazz Mass

Description

I would prefer not to be in the audience for a performance of this, but only because I'd want to be taking part instead. – Music Teacher

A highly original and effective concert setting of the Latin Missa brevis in which the various movements embrace a variety of jazz styles. The characterful piano accompaniment can be played as written or serve as a guide, and bass and drums can join in ad lib.

Contents:

1. Kyrie
2. Gloria
3. Sanctus
4. Benedictus
5. Agnus Dei

Programme Notes:

Chilcott has always loved jazz. At the beginning of his composing career, he worked as an arranger for the BBC Radio Orchestra and, while a member of the King's Singers, performed with artists such as George Shearing, Richard Rodney Bennett, John Dankworth, Art Farmer and the WDR Big Band. These experiences and influences have had a major impact on the music he composes.

Chilcott's jazz influences truly come to the fore in A Little Jazz Mass: The Kyrie has real groove, the Gloria swings, the Sanctus sits right back, the Benedictus hums along, and the Agnus Dei draws inspiration from the Blues. The voices are underpinned by a characterful piano accompaniment which can be played as written or serve as a guide, and bass and drums can join ad lib, giving the flavour of an authentic improvised jazz trio.

This highly effective setting of the Latin Missa brevis – which is available in arrangements for both upper voice and mixed voice choirs – is one of Chilcott's most celebrated and popular choral works to date, and has received countless performances (both on the concert platform and as part of the sung liturgy in church services) across the world, perhaps most notably at St Paul's Cathedral, London.
A Little Jazz Mass was written for the massed choirs of the 2004 Crescent City Choral Festival, and received its premiere in St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans in June of that year.
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