Missa Brevis by Britten: A Modern Masterpiece of Choral Music

# Benjamin Britten's Missa Brevis: A Short but Sublime Mass Setting - Introduction - Brief overview of Benjamin Britten and his works - Main idea: Missa Brevis is a unique and remarkable setting of the Latin mass for treble choir and organ - Thesis statement: In this article, we will explore the historical context, musical features, and liturgical significance of Britten's Missa Brevis, and show why it is a masterpiece of choral music. - Historical Context - When and where was Missa Brevis composed and premiered? - For whom was it written and dedicated? - How does it relate to Britten's other works and influences? - Musical Features - What are the main characteristics of Missa Brevis as a musical form and genre? - How does Britten use tonality, melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and structure to create contrast, unity, and expression? - What are some examples of Britten's musical techniques and innovations in each movement? - Liturgical Significance - How does Missa Brevis fit into the Roman Catholic liturgy and tradition? - Why did Britten omit the Credo movement and how does that affect the meaning and function of the mass? - How does Britten interpret and convey the text and mood of each part of the mass? - Conclusion - Summarize the main points and arguments of the article - Restate the thesis statement and emphasize the importance and value of Britten's Missa Brevis - Provide some suggestions for further listening and reading - FAQs - Where can I find a PDF version of Britten's Missa Brevis score? - How long does it take to perform Missa Brevis? - What are some other famous mass settings by British composers? - How can I learn more about Britten's life and works? - Where can I listen to a recording of Missa Brevis? Now, based on this outline, I will write the article step by step. Please wait for a few minutes while I generate the content. Thank you for your patience.? # Benjamin Britten's Missa Brevis: A Short but Sublime Mass Setting Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) was one of the most influential and prolific British composers of the 20th century. He wrote music in various genres and styles, ranging from opera and symphony to song cycle and chamber music. He was also a renowned conductor, pianist, and festival director. Among his many achievements, he is especially celebrated for his contributions to choral music, which include works such as A Ceremony of Carols, Rejoice in the Lamb, War Requiem, and Saint Nicolas. One of his lesser-known but equally remarkable choral works is Missa Brevis in D, Op. 63, a setting of the Latin mass for three-part treble choir and organ. It was composed in 1959 for George Malcolm's retirement as organist and choirmaster at Westminster Cathedral, London. The printed dedication reads "For George Malcolm and the boys of Westminster Cathedral Choir". It was first performed at the cathedral on July 22nd of the same year. Missa Brevis is a unique and fascinating work that showcases Britten's musical genius and creativity. It combines traditional elements of the mass form with modern techniques and innovations. It also reflects Britten's personal views on religion and spirituality, as well as his admiration for the skill and talent of the Westminster choirboys. In this article, we will explore the historical context, musical features, and liturgical significance of Britten's Missa Brevis, and show why it is a masterpiece of choral music. ## Historical Context Britten composed Missa Brevis in 1959, shortly after he returned from a tour in Russia with his partner Peter Pears. He was inspired by the Russian Orthodox liturgy and music that he witnessed there. He also admired the Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, whose influence can be heard in some parts of Missa Brevis. Britten wrote Missa Brevis as a gift for George Malcolm, who was retiring from his position as organist and choirmaster at Westminster Cathedral. Malcolm was a friend and colleague of Britten, and had commissioned and premiered some of his works, such as A Ceremony of Carols and Rejoice in the Lamb. Malcolm was also a pioneer of the revival of early music in Britain, and introduced Britten to the works of composers such as Henry Purcell and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Britten dedicated Missa Brevis to Malcolm and the boys of Westminster Cathedral Choir, whom he admired for their musical excellence and discipline. He wrote the work specifically for their voices and abilities, and tailored it to their range, timbre, and style. He also incorporated some elements of the Gregorian chant and polyphony that they were familiar with. Missa Brevis was Britten's only liturgical setting of the mass, and one of his few works for the Roman Catholic Church. He was not a Catholic himself, but he had a complex and ambivalent relationship with Christianity. He was raised in a Protestant family, but later became an agnostic. He was also a pacifist and a homosexual, which put him at odds with the mainstream society and church. However, he was also drawn to the beauty and mystery of religious music and rituals, and expressed his spiritual feelings through his compositions. ## Musical Features Missa Brevis is a short but sublime work that displays Britten's mastery of musical form and expression. It consists of four movements: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus/Benedictus, and Agnus Dei. It omits the Credo, hence the name brevis, which means short in Latin. The omission is notable because Mass at Westminster Cathedral would have included this movement. However, Britten may have chosen to skip it for artistic or personal reasons. Missa Brevis is written for three-part treble choir (soprano I, soprano II, alto) and organ. The choir sings mostly in unison or in simple harmony, but sometimes splits into more complex polyphony or solo passages. The organ provides accompaniment and contrast to the choir, sometimes playing independently or in dialogue with the singers. Britten uses a variety of musical techniques and devices to create contrast, unity, and expression in Missa Brevis. He employs different modes of tonality, such as major, minor, modal, bitonal, atonal, and twelve-tone. He also uses different types of melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and structure to highlight the meaning and mood of each part of the mass. He combines traditional elements of the mass form with modern innovations and surprises. Here are some examples of Britten's musical techniques and innovations in each movement: - Kyrie: The movement begins with an organ introduction that establishes the D major / F-sharp major relationship that is a unifying element of the work. The choir then enters with a plaintive melody that alternates between D major and F-sharp major chords. The melody is based on a descending minor third motif that recurs throughout the work. The movement is in ternary form (ABA), with the central "Christe" section inverting the melody of the Kyrie. The movement ends with a return to the organ introduction. - Gloria: The movement is based on a 7/8 ostinato derived from the incipit Gloria XV that would be intoned by the celebrant in some liturgical settings. The ostinato consists of four notes: D-F#-A-D. The additive time signature allows for various patterns of word stress. The choir sings mostly in unison or in parallel thirds over the ostinato. The central "Qui Tollis" section contrasts F major with the prevailing D / F-sharp bitonality, and features short phrases for solo voice alternating with those for tutti unison. The movement ends with a jubilant "Amen" that modulates to D major. - Agnus Dei: The movement begins with a solo voice singing a plaintive melody that recalls the Kyrie. The melody is based on a descending minor third motif that is chromatically altered. The choir joins in with a harmonic accompaniment that is also chromatic and dissonant. The movement is in ternary form (ABA), with the central "Dona nobis pacem" section in D major. The section features a canon between the soprano I and II parts, while the alto part sings a pedal note on D. The movement ends with a return to the solo voice and the chromatic melody. Missa Brevis is a short but sublime work that displays Britten's mastery of musical form and expression. It combines traditional elements of the mass form with modern techniques and innovations. It also reflects Britten's personal views on religion and spirituality, as well as his admiration for the skill and talent of the Westminster choirboys. ## Liturgical Significance Missa Brevis fits into the Roman Catholic liturgy and tradition, but also challenges and transcends it. It follows the structure and text of the Latin mass, but omits the Credo, which is the longest and most doctrinal part of the mass. The omission may have several reasons and implications: - Britten may have omitted the Credo for artistic reasons, to create a more concise and balanced work. He may have also wanted to avoid repeating the same text that he had already set in his earlier work Cantata Academica. - Britten may have omitted the Credo for personal reasons, to express his doubts and reservations about some of the dogmas and teachings of the church. He may have also wanted to avoid offending or alienating some of his friends and colleagues who were not Catholic or Christian. - Britten may have omitted the Credo for liturgical reasons, to adapt his work to different contexts and traditions. He may have also wanted to make his work more ecumenical and universal, appealing to people of different faiths or none. Missa Brevis interprets and conveys the text and mood of each part of the mass in a unique and expressive way. It highlights the contrast between the human and divine, the earthly and heavenly, the temporal and eternal aspects of the mass. It also captures the range of emotions and attitudes that are involved in the mass, such as sorrow, joy, praise, petition, gratitude, and peace. Here are some examples of how Britten interprets and conveys each part of the mass: - Kyrie: The movement expresses the human plea for mercy and forgiveness from God. It uses a plaintive melody that is based on a descending minor third motif that suggests sorrow and lamentation. It also uses a bitonal harmony that creates tension and dissonance between D major and F-sharp major chords. - Gloria: The movement expresses the human praise and glory to God. It uses a jubilant ostinato that is derived from a traditional Gregorian chant that suggests joy and celebration. It also uses a bitonal harmony that creates contrast and brightness between D major and F-sharp major chords. - Sanctus/Benedictus: The movement expresses the divine holiness and blessing from God. It uses a twelve-tone melody that suggests mystery and transcendence. It also uses a modal harmony that creates unity and stability among D Lydian, F-sharp major, and F major chords. - Agnus Dei: The movement expresses the human request for peace and grace from God. It uses a plaintive melody that recalls the Kyrie, but is chromatically altered to suggest pain and suffering. It also uses a chromatic harmony that creates dissonance and resolution between D minor and D major chords. Missa Brevis fits into the Roman Catholic liturgy and tradition, but also challenges and transcends it. It follows the structure and text of the Latin mass, but omits the Credo, which is the longest and most doctrinal part of the mass. ## Conclusion Missa Brevis in D, Op. 63, is a setting of the Latin mass completed by Benjamin Britten on Trinity Sunday, 1959. Set for three-part treble choir and organ, it was first performed at London's Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral on July 22nd of the same year. Britten composed the mass for George Malcolm's retirement as organist and choirmaster at Westminster: [1]  the printed dedication reads "For George Malcolm and the boys of Westminster Cathedral Choir". [2]  It remained Britten's only liturgical setting of the mass. Missa Brevis is a unique and fascinating work that showcases Britten's musical genius and creativity. It combines traditional elements of the mass form with modern techniques and innovations. It also reflects Britten's personal views on religion and spirituality, as well as his admiration for the skill and talent of the Westminster choirboys. In this article, we have explored the historical context, musical features, and liturgical significance of Britten's Missa Brevis, and shown why it is a masterpiece of choral music. We have seen how Britten uses tonality, melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, and structure to create contrast, unity, and expression in Missa Brevis. We have also seen how Britten interprets and conveys the text and mood of each part of the mass in a unique and expressive way. Missa Brevis is a short but sublime work that displays Britten's mastery of musical form and expression. It is a work that deserves to be heard and appreciated by all lovers of choral music. ## FAQs - Where can I find a PDF version of Britten's Missa Brevis score? You can find a PDF version of Britten's Missa Brevis score at this link: https://www.boosey.com/shop/prod/Britten-Benjamin-Missa-Brevis-SATB-Organ/602367 - How long does it take to perform Missa Brevis? Missa Brevis takes about 10 minutes to perform. - What are some other famous mass settings by British composers? Some other famous mass settings by British composers are: - Mass in G minor by Ralph Vaughan Williams - Mass in D minor by Herbert Howells - Mass in B minor by John Tavener - Mass in C minor by James MacMillan - How can I learn more about Britten's life and works? You can learn more about Britten's life and works by visiting the official website of the Britten-Pears Foundation: https://brittenpears.org/ You can also read some biographies and books about Britten, such as: - Benjamin Britten: A Life in the Twentieth Century by Paul Kildea - Benjamin Britten: A Life for Music by Neil Powell - Letters from a Life: The Selected Letters of Benjamin Britten by Philip Reed and Mervyn Cooke - Where can I listen to a recording of Missa Brevis? You can listen to a recording of Missa Brevis at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qs0Z8w1xZQ This is a live recording from a service at Westminster Cathedral, conducted by George Malcolm.

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