Missa Brevis | Michael Kurek, Composer

Missa Brevis

Mysterium Fidei

Composer’s Note: “Missa” refers to a Latin setting of the Ordinary of the Mass, to which additional parts may be added (here, the short response “Mysterium Fidei” and the “Amen”). A supplemental piece, “Ave Maria” for SSA choir, organ and piano or harp is also included below for optional use before or after Mass or during the Offertory.

“Brevis” indicates that this is a short enough Mass to use at an actual liturgical celebration of the Mass rather than only in a concert hall. I have purposely written this Mass for adult, volunteer church choirs looking for a reverent Latin setting with modest ranges and easy enough to learn without too much rehearsal time. Please contact me by e-mail about how to obtain the printed score: Mickeykurek@aol.com.

Heard here: The Vanderbilt Chorale, Tucker Biddlecombe, conductor, and Polly Brecht, organist. Recorded in Turner Recital Hall, the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, December 3 and 5, 2018.

Recording engineer: Kevin Edlin. Produced, mixed, and edited by Michael Kurek. (The Ave Maria was recorded a few years earlier in a live concert setting.) Turner Hall boasts a million-dollar Dobson 92 pipe organ, and the pristine, classic sound came from the main microphones on the sessions, a pair of classic 1970’s German Neumann U87’s valued at $7,200.