Jacob de Haan: Missa Brevis

Jacob de Haan: Missa Brevis (Concert Band). Missa Brevis, written for choir and wind band, was commissioned by the Conseil Départemental pour la Musique et la Culture de Haute-Alsace (dir. Philippe Pfisterer) in Guebwiller (France), on the occasion of the millennium of the birth of Pope Leo IX. The premiere of this mass took place in his birthplace, Éguisheim (Alsace, France), on June 23, 2002, conducted by the composer. It was a live recording for the French television channel France 2. The mass movements Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei are ideally suited for both Catholic and Protestant liturgy. Various performance options are possible for this mass, as it features variable instrumentation. An instrumental performance is explicitly possible if the brass represents the choral parts. In this option, it is desirable for the brass to be positioned separately from the rest of the orchestra (e.g., on a gallery) to approach the idea of double choir. In a performance for a large choir, the brass works very well as support. In that case, the dynamics of the brass can be adjusted slightly, as it is primarily intended for an instrumental version. One can also choose to omit the brass entirely in favor of the choir. For accompanying smaller choirs, one can opt for a small ensemble from the orchestra. This can also be a quartet arranged as desired. For the performance of this mass, it is obvious to choose one of these options. Alternatively, however, a performance is also possible with a combination of these options (vocal/instrumental) – not merely for an artistic motive (variety), but also for a practical motive, in case the choir, for example, has only rehearsed two movements. With a full instrumentation, the conductor can vary the instrumentation at will. Here, the brass can also play a role in the accompaniment (instead of supporting the choir). The following combinations are possible:

1. clarinet choir (from E-flat clarinet to bass clarinet)
2. clarinet choir + saxophones
3. soft brass (flugelhorns, horns, euphoniums, basses)
4. bright brass (2 trumpets / 2 trombones)
5. double reeds (possibly + flute, possibly + double bass)
6. tutti
7. all woodwinds
8. all brass
In a performance for brass band and choir, it is advisable in most cases to omit the brass option. The choir sings independently, accompanied by a full brass band. In an instrumental performance, you might consider a combination quartet (two cornets and two trombones) + brass band. Choir parts available separately.

Merk	De Haske Publications
Serie	Sacred Music
Instrument	Harmony Orchestra, Brass Band
Barcode (EAN)	DHP-1033337-015_1.mp3