The Latin Mass has always been
a source of inspiration for
numerous composers, many of
whom produced works of immense
musical and spiritual value,
such as the Polyphonic Masses
by Palestrina and a number of
his contemporaries. Other,
more recent examples include
works by Bach and Mozart,
Beethoven and Verdi: absolute
masterpieces in the history of
music. MISSA PRO PACE,
composed in 1986, is unique in
that it was written for choir
and band. We must go back at
least one century to find
records of anything similar in
Italy. The choral part, in
both the quartet and choir
versions, is austere and
dignified. Characterised by
the absence of virtuosities, a
sense of communion and
spirituality pervades the
entire work. The general choir
conveys the wealth of
traditional choral
expressions. Likewise, the
band either provides a light
accompaniment for the choral
melody or enhances its
solemnity. The Mass can be
performed as a whole (the 5
parts in sequence) or as
separate parts, to accompany
the liturgy. The work can also
be performed without the
choir.
