Rutter’s Mass Of The Children

I have a hard time writing about music. With words I can describe whether the piece is loud or soft, fast or slow or explain which instruments are playing. However, there’s some things I can’t do. I can’t explain how the harmonies echo in the room and cause goosebumps to run up and down your arm. I can’t describe the sounds the chords make when they lock into place and ring out through the church.

Below you can find a short audio clip about the upcoming Sacred Music concert at St. William’s Catholic Church. You’ll hear interviews from the director of the concert, a member of the children’s choir and a quick sample of the major work.

John Rutter’s piece, Mass of the Children, is one of the most personal works he has created. Composed after the death of his son, Rutter’s work incorporates the text from the Latin Missa brevis (a Mass without the “Credo” section). The work itself has five movements including: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Benedictus, Agnus Dei and the Finale.

The work is sung by an adult choir featuring a soprano and baritone soloist. The children’s choir enhances the piece by singing texts from prayer adaptions and poems including “Little Lamb” by William Blake.

Of course, I could continue to explain the logistics to you from the meter of the work, to the number of choir members or dissect the meaning of the Latin text. But, that’s not the point.

This work is something to hear. It’s something to be listened to and experienced. You can interpret it any which way you please. For me, participating in this choir is just another way to praise God with a community of musicians who are all playing for the same thing – to praise the Lord with their talents.

St. William’s Catholic Church
Sacred Music Concert Music Series

John Rutter’s “Mass of the Children.”
Saturday, May 12, 2012
7:30 p.m. in the Main Church

For more information, click here.