Modal Mass

Highlights

• Mass for cantor, SATB choir, soprano descant, congregation and organ
• Congregational parts easy to learn and sing
• Ancient modalities beautifully combined with fresh harmonies - truly a new traditional Mass setting!

Description

Calvert Shenk, Organist and Director of Music at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit MI, has here set the Ordinary of the Mass in a way which both facilitates the congregation's participation and maintains musical worthiness. The Mass parts (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation, Amen and Agnus Dei) are written in different ecclesiastical modes (IV, I, V, V, V, and VIII, respectively). All are in English, except the Kyrie and the refrain of the Gloria ("Gloria, gloria! In excelsis Deo"). The a cappella choral writing is clean and fresh, and generally alternates with accompanied congregational sections or refrains that are embellished with choral harmonies. The music flows quite freely from choir to congregation; the people's parts are easily sung. A reproducible melody-line version for the congregation is included, although not absolutely necessary for performance. Mr. Shenk has wedded the sound of ancient modalities with the fresh harmonies and structure of more current liturgical practice -- a perfect example of preserving the treasures of the past in functional contemporary forms.