Missa Brevis For SATB solo voices Ian Percy (2017)

Abstract

As the title suggests, this is a short Mass in four settings (movements) composed for four solo voices (SATB): I. Kyrie II. Gloria III. Sanctus IV. Agnus Dei The score evolved from a pedagogical study through which it was demonstrated to student composers how one could follow conventions of plainchant within a tonal stasis (without accidentals or modulations), yet still sound contemporary in nature, hopefully producing music that sounds timeless instead of being overtly modernistic or retrospective. The opening plainchant (Kyrie) is written in Phrygian mode and the subtle presence of a sung grace note contemporises the rhythmic and harmonic flavour of the phrase. The simple use of a compound interval for the bass in the first chorus also helps to contemporise the soundworld along with the use of fourth-based harmony and the linear use of whole-tones