A Christmas Mass 24' 30" SATB and organ or piano

Click on image to view page 1 of the score

Programme Notes

The five movements are:

1 Kyrie
2 Gloria
3 Credo
4 Sanctus and Benedictus
5 Agnus Dei

A Christmas Mass was written in 2007 and first performed by Chantage on 1 December of that year in Saffron Walden; the conductor was James Davey. The London première followed three days later, when I conducted the London Chorus at St. John’s, Smith Square. Under the title, Hark! Chantage at Christmas, the Mass has been recorded on the EMI Gold label.

As both a singer and a conductor I have always loved the famous Messe de minuit pour Noël by Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704), but have also felt frustrated that I did not recognise the French carols used as material for the work.

I had also long cherished the idea of writing a setting of the Mass which might use Christmas music that present-day singers would recognise – hence A Christmas Mass.

From the immense store of carols and hymns of the Christmas season I have used some seventy or so. Many of these melodies, in fact, chose themselves as I worked on the piece. Some provided important thematic material and some make only a brief appearance.

The emphasis is on a joyful celebration of this season and its rich musical heritage. The result can, I hope, have a place in the concert hall and in Advent and Christmas carol services, and can also be used liturgically.

© Ronald Corp

(You are welcome to copy and paste the programme notes – please credit the author.)

Ronald Corp - Composer and Conductor - Official Website / All contents © 2008 - 2012