PARTITIONS GRATUITES :
- Agnus Dei from the Mass for choir and orchestra

Concert Band/Harmonie/Fanfare Band/Brass Band and opt. Choir - Grade 2

SKU: BT.DHP-1033337-170

Composed by Jacob De Haan. Musica Sacra. Hymns & Chorals. Score Only. Composed 2003. 28 pages. De Haske Publications #DHP 1033337-170. Published by De Haske Publications (BT.DHP-1033337-170).

A4 (210X297) inches.

Missa Brevis is a major work for choir and brass band for performance in church or in the concert hall. For this mass, there are many performance possibilities depending on the musicians available. In addition to the standard orchestration ofchoir and band a brass quartet can also play the choral parts. For this it is desirable for the brass quartet to be positioned separately from the rest of the band (on a gallery, for example), so that the idea of two choirs is heard. It is alsopossible to perform the work with brass band and organ. A truly flexible religious masterpiece. Choral parts available separately.

Mis sa Brevis, geschreven voor koor en blaasorkest, werd gecomponeerd in opdracht van de Conseil Départemental pour la Musique et la Culture de Haute-Alsace (dir. Philippe Pfisterer) in Guebwiller (Frankrijk), ter gelegenheid van het duizendstegeboortejaar van paus Leo IX. In zijn geboorteplaats, Éguisheim (Elzas, Frankrijk), vond op 23 juni 2002 de première van deze mis plaats onder leiding van de componist. Het betrof een live-registratie voor de Franse televisiezender France 2. Demisdelen Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus en Agnus Dei lenen zich uitstekend voor zowel de katholieke als de protestantse liturgie. Er zijn voor deze mis diverse uitvoeringsmogelijkheden mogelijk, aangezien er sprake is van eenvariabele bezetting. Een instrumentale uitvoering behoort uitdrukkelijk tot de mogelijkheden, indien het scherp koper de koorpartijen vertegenwoordigt. In deze optie is het wenselijk dat het scherp koper zich separaat opstelt van de rest van hetorkest (bijvoorbeeld op een galerij), zodat het idee van dubbelkorigheid wordt benaderd. Bij een uitvoering voor groot koor werkt het scherp koper zeer goed als ondersteuning. In dat geval kan de dynamiek van het koper iets worden aangepast,aangezien deze in eerste instantie bedoeld is voor een instrumentale versie. Ook kan men ervoor kiezen het scherp koper helemaal weg te laten ten gunste van het koor. Bij begeleiding van kleinere koren kan men kiezen voor een klein ensemble uit hetorkest. Dit kan ook een naar wens samengesteld kwartet zijn. Voor de uitvoering van deze mis ligt het voor de hand een van deze opties te kiezen. Als alternatief is echter ook een uitvoering mogelijk met een combinatie van deze opties (vocaal/instrumentaal) - niet slechts vanuit een artistiek motief (afwisseling), maar ook vanuit een praktisch motief, voor het geval dat het koor bijvoorbeeld slechts twee delen heeft ingestudeerd. Bij een volledige bezetting kan de dirigent deinstrumentatie naar believen afwisselen. Hierbij kan ook het scherp koper in de begeleiding een rol krijgen (in plaats van ondersteuning van het koor). Zo zijn de volgende combinaties mogelijk:

1. clarinet choir (van Es-klarinet tot basklarinet)

2. clarinet choir + saxofoons

3. zacht koper (bugels, hoorns, euphoniums, bassen)

4. scherp koper (2 trompetten / 2 trombones)

5. dubbelrieten (eventueel + fluit, eventueel + contrabas)

6. tutti

7. alle hout

8. alle koper

In een uitvoering voor brassband en koor is het in de meeste gevallen aan te bevelen de optie voor scherp koper weg te laten. Het koor zingt zelfstandig, begeleid door een volledige brassband. In een instrumentale uitvoering kunt u denken aan eencombinatiekwartet (twee cornetten en twee trombones) + brassband.Koorpartijen apart verkrijgbaar.

M issa Brevis, eine Messe für Brass Band und Chor ad libitum, kann in diversen variablen Spielstärken aufgeführt werden. Zahlreiche mögliche Instrumentenkombinationen diverse mögliche Kombinationen mit großen oder kleineren Chören, lassen eineVielzahl von verschiedenen Aufführungen dieser Messe zu. So kann z. B. ein Blechbläserquartett, von der Kirchenempore herab spielend, die Chorpartien übernehmen. Darüber hinaus ergeben sich durch die Orgelbegleitung weitere Aufführungsvarianten. EineAufstellung der Wahlmöglichkeiten wird vom Komponisten mitgeliefert. Die wunderschöne Musik aus der Feder von Jacob de Haan garantiert in jedem Fall einen gelungenen Auftritt!Chorstimmen separat erhältlich.

Missa Brevis est une messe pour Orchestre d’Harmonie et Choeur composée la demande du Conseil Départemental pour la Musique et la Culture de Haute-Alsace (Dir. : Philippe Pfisterer) de Guebwiller en France, l’occasion des célébrations dumillénaire de la naissance du Pape Léon IX Éguisheim. La création mondiale a eu lieu le 23 juin 2002 sous la direction du compositeur, et a été diffusée en direct sur la chaîne de télévision nationale France 2. Les différentes parties de cettemesse (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus et Agnus Dei) conviennent autant la liturgie catholique qu’ la liturgie protestante. Missa Brevis peut être interprétée dans différentes combinaisons instrumentales. Ellepeut être jouée dans une version purement instrumentale, où les cuivres prennent en charge la partie vocale. En tel cas, il est conseillé de placer les cuivres l’écart de la formation (sur une estrade, par exemple) de façon reproduire l’idée dedeux groupes indépendants. Dans le cadre d’une interprétation avec un grand Choeur, les cuivres jouent un rôle de soutien. Leurs nuances doivent alors être adaptées dans la mesure où elles ont été écrites, l’origine, pour une version instrumentale.Il est également possible de ne pas faire intervenir les cuivres et de privilégier le Choeur. Pour accompagner de petits ensembles vocaux, il faut opter pour une formation instrumentale réduite voire même un Quatuor (instrumentation au choix). Pourl’interprét ation de cette messe l’un des choix proposés ci-dessus s’impose. Il existe néanmoins une alternative qui consiste interpréter cette oeuvre en combinant ces options (vocales / instrumentales). Cela peut être bénéfique tant d’un point devue artistique (variante) que pratique dans le cas où le Choeur n’a travaillé que deux mouvements de la messe. Si le chef dispose de deux formations complètes (Choeur et Orchestre d’Harmonie), il peut varier l’instrumentation selon ses préférences. ce moment-l , il peut confier un rôle d’accompagnement et non de soutien aux cuivres de sa formation. Les combinaisons suivantes peuvent être formées :

1. Choeur de Clarinettes (de la Clarinette Mib la Clarinette Basse)

2. Choeur de Clarinettes + Saxophones

3. Cuivres (Bugles, Cors, Barytons / Euphoniums, Basses)

4. Cuivres (2 Trompettes / 2 Trombones)

5. Instruments anches doubles (Fl te et Contrebasse cordes optionnelles)

6. Tutti

7. Tous les Bois

8. Tous les Cuivres

Dans le cadre d’une interprétation par un Brass Band accompagné d’un Choeur, il est préférable de supprimer l’option 1 (Choeur + Cuivres + Orchestre d’Harmonie) car le Choeur étant autonome. Dans une version instrumentale pour Cuivres, il estpossible de former la combinaison suivante : Quatuor (2 Cornets / 2 Trombones) et Brass Band.Partitions pour chœur disponibles séparément.

Parti per coro disponibili a parte.

SKU: CA.721200

Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Contemporary Choir Music. Kyrie Und Agnus Dei. Full score. 12 pages. Carus Verlag #CV 07.212/00. Published by Carus Verlag (CA.721200).

ISBN 9790007166946.

From the outset my two vocal versions of Mozart orchestral works were conceived as twins. Both models shared not only key of C minor, but the fact that they were composed towards the end of Mozart's life seemed to suggest they were predestined to be arranged as a pair; and finally, their formal structure and, above all, the quotation of a cantus firmus in each piece seemed to bind these two works together. It was more difficult to consider which text was now suitable to render vocally what previously was an orchestral movement. Naturally it should stand out and textually the movement should be raised to another level. The answer was to use another language here. Therefore, I chose the texts Kyrie eleison and Agnus Dei, i.e., the opening and concluding texts of the Ordinary of the Mass. For a performance of both vocal versions in concert I suggest joining them by playing Mozart's great F minor Fantasy K. 608 as an instrumental intermezzo between them. (Heribert Breuer) Kyrie: Vocal arrangement of the Choral of the Zauberflote Agnus Dei: Vocal arrangement of Maurerische Trauermusik KV 477.

Choral (ChoirTrax CD)

SKU: HL.124314

(from Petite Mass). Composed by John Leavitt. Festival Choral. Choir & Orchestra, Concert, Festival, Latin, Mass, Sacred. CD only. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.124314).

UPC: 884088966119. 5x5 inches.

Opening andante espressivo over a ground bass, this deeply emotional setting of the Agnus Dei is infused with hopefulness and warmth. Together with the companion movements Kyrie and Gloria, this work will enhance concert programs and worship services from high school through adult. Perform with keyboard or the optional chamber orchestra. Duration: ca. 2:45.

Vocal soli, SATB choir, orchestra (solos: TTB - choir: SST(A)TBB - 2.0.0.0. - 0.0.0.0. - vl.2va.vc/db)

SKU: BR.EOS-8047-15

Requiem. Composed by Andre Campra. Edited by Jean-Paul Montagnier. Choir; Softcover. Eulenburg Orchestral Series. Mass; Requiem; Baroque. Part. 24 pages. Duration 55'. Breitkopf and Haertel #EOS 8047-15. Published by Breitkopf and Haertel (BR.EOS-8047-15).

ISBN 9790004789735. 8.5 x 11.5 inches.

Among Campra's Latin works, the ,Messe de mort' is perhaps one of the more successful and today it is one of the more frequently performed. It is also the most enigmatic score of his entire output. Despite extensive researches, no evidence of any sort has yet been brought to light to document its origin, purpose, date of composition, first performance or reception. A stylistic analysis indubitably supports the contention that the ,Messe de mort' is a late work, composed perhaps between 1722 and 1729.
The present edition is based on the manuscript from the Bibliotheque Nationale de France (Paris). It it the oldest known source of the work. The very few errors have been corrected.
(Jean-Paul Montagnier) Vokalensemble Stuttgart und den Kammerchor des Kopernikus-Gymnasiums Wasseralfingen. Fur diese beiden ganz unterschiedlichen Chorformationen hat Martin Smolka 2012 auch gezielt seine Partitur angelegt. Biografisch ist das Agnus Dei eine Art kleines Requiem fur seinen kurz zuvor verstorbenen Vater. Das liturgische Agnus Dei rahmt den deutschen Text Eh das Madchen entschlief ... der bei Auffuhrungen in anderen Landern durch eine Ubersetzung ersetzt werden soll.

Der SWR-Redakteur Hans-Peter Jahn schreibt dazu im Programmheft: Die fur Smolka typischen minimalistischen Taktzellen schaffen eine archaische Sinnlichkeit. Eine einfache und zugleich streng gebaute Vokalmusik mit Tiefenwirkung.

Nac h der Urauffuhrung war die Esslinger Zeitung hellauf begeistert: Smolka ist ein Meister der Stimmbehandlung und der chorischen Klanggestaltung. Im Zentrum des Stucks gerat die Musik zum Stillstand: im leisen gleichmassigen Summen uber dem plotzlich fortissimo ein tschechisches Kinderlied erklingt eines das der Vater seinen Kindern haufig vorgesungen hat. Das alles war sehr beruhrend. Und eigentlich noch mehr als das. My father PhDr. Jaroslav Smolka (1933-2011) was a leading Czech musicologist author of books Czech Cantata and Oratorium Fuga in Czech Music Smetana's Orchestra Music Smetana's Vocal Music monography of Jan Dismas Zelenka and many others. He was a legendary teacher of Music History at Prague Music Academy critic recording producer composer; for almost 50 years he was an important and highly respected personality of Prague musical life.
My father devoted a lot of time and energy to musical education and activities of my sister and me using often quite original methods such as teaching of intervals and counterpoint through Bartok's Microcosmos ear training filling all imaginable moments of everyday life or lessons of harmony analysis starting with Overture to Tristan and Musorgsky's Catacombs. The Martinu song Wondering Maiden was his solo number in our home vocal productions which he used to sing with amazing devotion while his huge voice was audible in several neighboring streets.
My Agnus Dei is closely bound to all this history e.g. by using canon and preferring beauty of dissonant seconds like Bartok or quoting Martinu and his refined neoclassical harmony. Father would be probably a bit critical about the minimalistic monotony of the main body of the piece. Nevertheless firstly he would improvise a short lecture of history of Agnus Dei in Requiem in Czech Music naming by heart many dates and all examples of changes of order of the traditional text by composers. Examples would be sung probably.
(Martin Smolka).

Viola 2 (solos: TTB - choir: SST(A)TBB - 2.0.0.0. - 0.0.0.0. - vl.2va.vc/db)

SKU: BR.EOS-8047-20

Requiem. Composed by Andre Campra. Edited by Jean-Paul Montagnier. Choir; stapled. Eulenburg Orchestral Series. Mass; Requiem; Baroque. Part. 12 pages. Duration 55'. Breitkopf and Haertel #EOS 8047-20. Published by Breitkopf and Haertel (BR.EOS-8047-20).

ISBN 9790004789759. 8.5 x 11.5 inches.

Among Campra's Latin works, the ,Messe de mort' is perhaps one of the more successful and today it is one of the more frequently performed. It is also the most enigmatic score of his entire output. Despite extensive researches, no evidence of any sort has yet been brought to light to document its origin, purpose, date of composition, first performance or reception. A stylistic analysis indubitably supports the contention that the ,Messe de mort' is a late work, composed perhaps between 1722 and 1729.
The present edition is based on the manuscript from the Bibliotheque Nationale de France (Paris). It it the oldest known source of the work. The very few errors have been corrected.
(Jean-Paul Montagnier) Vokalensemble Stuttgart und den Kammerchor des Kopernikus-Gymnasiums Wasseralfingen. Fur diese beiden ganz unterschiedlichen Chorformationen hat Martin Smolka 2012 auch gezielt seine Partitur angelegt. Biografisch ist das Agnus Dei eine Art kleines Requiem fur seinen kurz zuvor verstorbenen Vater. Das liturgische Agnus Dei rahmt den deutschen Text Eh das Madchen entschlief ... der bei Auffuhrungen in anderen Landern durch eine Ubersetzung ersetzt werden soll.

Der SWR-Redakteur Hans-Peter Jahn schreibt dazu im Programmheft: Die fur Smolka typischen minimalistischen Taktzellen schaffen eine archaische Sinnlichkeit. Eine einfache und zugleich streng gebaute Vokalmusik mit Tiefenwirkung.

Nac h der Urauffuhrung war die Esslinger Zeitung hellauf begeistert: Smolka ist ein Meister der Stimmbehandlung und der chorischen Klanggestaltung. Im Zentrum des Stucks gerat die Musik zum Stillstand: im leisen gleichmassigen Summen uber dem plotzlich fortissimo ein tschechisches Kinderlied erklingt eines das der Vater seinen Kindern haufig vorgesungen hat. Das alles war sehr beruhrend. Und eigentlich noch mehr als das. My father PhDr. Jaroslav Smolka (1933-2011) was a leading Czech musicologist author of books Czech Cantata and Oratorium Fuga in Czech Music Smetana's Orchestra Music Smetana's Vocal Music monography of Jan Dismas Zelenka and many others. He was a legendary teacher of Music History at Prague Music Academy critic recording producer composer; for almost 50 years he was an important and highly respected personality of Prague musical life.
My father devoted a lot of time and energy to musical education and activities of my sister and me using often quite original methods such as teaching of intervals and counterpoint through Bartok's Microcosmos ear training filling all imaginable moments of everyday life or lessons of harmony analysis starting with Overture to Tristan and Musorgsky's Catacombs. The Martinu song Wondering Maiden was his solo number in our home vocal productions which he used to sing with amazing devotion while his huge voice was audible in several neighboring streets.
My Agnus Dei is closely bound to all this history e.g. by using canon and preferring beauty of dissonant seconds like Bartok or quoting Martinu and his refined neoclassical harmony. Father would be probably a bit critical about the minimalistic monotony of the main body of the piece. Nevertheless firstly he would improvise a short lecture of history of Agnus Dei in Requiem in Czech Music naming by heart many dates and all examples of changes of order of the traditional text by composers. Examples would be sung probably.
(Martin Smolka).

Viola 1 (solos: TTB - choir: SST(A)TBB - 2.0.0.0. - 0.0.0.0. - vl.2va.vc/db)

SKU: BR.EOS-8047-19

Requiem. Composed by Andre Campra. Edited by Jean-Paul Montagnier. Choir; stapled. Eulenburg Orchestral Series. Mass; Requiem; Baroque. Part. 12 pages. Duration 55'. Breitkopf and Haertel #EOS 8047-19. Published by Breitkopf and Haertel (BR.EOS-8047-19).

ISBN 9790004789742. 8.5 x 11.5 inches.

Among Campra's Latin works, the ,Messe de mort' is perhaps one of the more successful and today it is one of the more frequently performed. It is also the most enigmatic score of his entire output. Despite extensive researches, no evidence of any sort has yet been brought to light to document its origin, purpose, date of composition, first performance or reception. A stylistic analysis indubitably supports the contention that the ,Messe de mort' is a late work, composed perhaps between 1722 and 1729.
The present edition is based on the manuscript from the Bibliotheque Nationale de France (Paris). It it the oldest known source of the work. The very few errors have been corrected.
(Jean-Paul Montagnier) Vokalensemble Stuttgart und den Kammerchor des Kopernikus-Gymnasiums Wasseralfingen. Fur diese beiden ganz unterschiedlichen Chorformationen hat Martin Smolka 2012 auch gezielt seine Partitur angelegt. Biografisch ist das Agnus Dei eine Art kleines Requiem fur seinen kurz zuvor verstorbenen Vater. Das liturgische Agnus Dei rahmt den deutschen Text Eh das Madchen entschlief ... der bei Auffuhrungen in anderen Landern durch eine Ubersetzung ersetzt werden soll.

Der SWR-Redakteur Hans-Peter Jahn schreibt dazu im Programmheft: Die fur Smolka typischen minimalistischen Taktzellen schaffen eine archaische Sinnlichkeit. Eine einfache und zugleich streng gebaute Vokalmusik mit Tiefenwirkung.

Nac h der Urauffuhrung war die Esslinger Zeitung hellauf begeistert: Smolka ist ein Meister der Stimmbehandlung und der chorischen Klanggestaltung. Im Zentrum des Stucks gerat die Musik zum Stillstand: im leisen gleichmassigen Summen uber dem plotzlich fortissimo ein tschechisches Kinderlied erklingt eines das der Vater seinen Kindern haufig vorgesungen hat. Das alles war sehr beruhrend. Und eigentlich noch mehr als das. My father PhDr. Jaroslav Smolka (1933-2011) was a leading Czech musicologist author of books Czech Cantata and Oratorium Fuga in Czech Music Smetana's Orchestra Music Smetana's Vocal Music monography of Jan Dismas Zelenka and many others. He was a legendary teacher of Music History at Prague Music Academy critic recording producer composer; for almost 50 years he was an important and highly respected personality of Prague musical life.
My father devoted a lot of time and energy to musical education and activities of my sister and me using often quite original methods such as teaching of intervals and counterpoint through Bartok's Microcosmos ear training filling all imaginable moments of everyday life or lessons of harmony analysis starting with Overture to Tristan and Musorgsky's Catacombs. The Martinu song Wondering Maiden was his solo number in our home vocal productions which he used to sing with amazing devotion while his huge voice was audible in several neighboring streets.
My Agnus Dei is closely bound to all this history e.g. by using canon and preferring beauty of dissonant seconds like Bartok or quoting Martinu and his refined neoclassical harmony. Father would be probably a bit critical about the minimalistic monotony of the main body of the piece. Nevertheless firstly he would improvise a short lecture of history of Agnus Dei in Requiem in Czech Music naming by heart many dates and all examples of changes of order of the traditional text by composers. Examples would be sung probably.
(Martin Smolka).

Basso (cello/double bass) (solos: TTB - choir: SST(A)TBB - 2.0.0.0. - 0.0.0.0. - vl.2va.vc/db)

SKU: BR.EOS-8047-26

Requiem. Composed by Andre Campra. Edited by Jean-Paul Montagnier. Choir; stapled. Eulenburg Orchestral Series. Mass; Requiem; Baroque. Part. 16 pages. Duration 55'. Breitkopf and Haertel #EOS 8047-26. Published by Breitkopf and Haertel (BR.EOS-8047-26).

ISBN 9790004789766. 8.5 x 11.5 inches.

Among Campra's Latin works, the ,Messe de mort' is perhaps one of the more successful and today it is one of the more frequently performed. It is also the most enigmatic score of his entire output. Despite extensive researches, no evidence of any sort has yet been brought to light to document its origin, purpose, date of composition, first performance or reception. A stylistic analysis indubitably supports the contention that the ,Messe de mort' is a late work, composed perhaps between 1722 and 1729.
The present edition is based on the manuscript from the Bibliotheque Nationale de France (Paris). It it the oldest known source of the work. The very few errors have been corrected.
(Jean-Paul Montagnier) Vokalensemble Stuttgart und den Kammerchor des Kopernikus-Gymnasiums Wasseralfingen. Fur diese beiden ganz unterschiedlichen Chorformationen hat Martin Smolka 2012 auch gezielt seine Partitur angelegt. Biografisch ist das Agnus Dei eine Art kleines Requiem fur seinen kurz zuvor verstorbenen Vater. Das liturgische Agnus Dei rahmt den deutschen Text Eh das Madchen entschlief ... der bei Auffuhrungen in anderen Landern durch eine Ubersetzung ersetzt werden soll.

Der SWR-Redakteur Hans-Peter Jahn schreibt dazu im Programmheft: Die fur Smolka typischen minimalistischen Taktzellen schaffen eine archaische Sinnlichkeit. Eine einfache und zugleich streng gebaute Vokalmusik mit Tiefenwirkung.

Nac h der Urauffuhrung war die Esslinger Zeitung hellauf begeistert: Smolka ist ein Meister der Stimmbehandlung und der chorischen Klanggestaltung. Im Zentrum des Stucks gerat die Musik zum Stillstand: im leisen gleichmassigen Summen uber dem plotzlich fortissimo ein tschechisches Kinderlied erklingt eines das der Vater seinen Kindern haufig vorgesungen hat. Das alles war sehr beruhrend. Und eigentlich noch mehr als das. My father PhDr. Jaroslav Smolka (1933-2011) was a leading Czech musicologist author of books Czech Cantata and Oratorium Fuga in Czech Music Smetana's Orchestra Music Smetana's Vocal Music monography of Jan Dismas Zelenka and many others. He was a legendary teacher of Music History at Prague Music Academy critic recording producer composer; for almost 50 years he was an important and highly respected personality of Prague musical life.
My father devoted a lot of time and energy to musical education and activities of my sister and me using often quite original methods such as teaching of intervals and counterpoint through Bartok's Microcosmos ear training filling all imaginable moments of everyday life or lessons of harmony analysis starting with Overture to Tristan and Musorgsky's Catacombs. The Martinu song Wondering Maiden was his solo number in our home vocal productions which he used to sing with amazing devotion while his huge voice was audible in several neighboring streets.
My Agnus Dei is closely bound to all this history e.g. by using canon and preferring beauty of dissonant seconds like Bartok or quoting Martinu and his refined neoclassical harmony. Father would be probably a bit critical about the minimalistic monotony of the main body of the piece. Nevertheless firstly he would improvise a short lecture of history of Agnus Dei in Requiem in Czech Music naming by heart many dates and all examples of changes of order of the traditional text by composers. Examples would be sung probably.
(Martin Smolka).

Chorus (with soloists) and piano (solos: TTB - choir: SST(A)TBB - 2.0.0.0. - 0.0.0.0. - vl.2va.vc/db)

SKU: BR.ED-12658

Requiem. Composed by Andre Campra. Edited by Jean-Paul Montagnier. Choir; Softbound. Mass; Requiem; Baroque. Piano/Vocal Score. 70 pages. Duration 55'. Breitkopf and Haertel #ED 12658. Published by Breitkopf and Haertel (BR.ED-12658).

ISBN 9790220121760. 7.5 x 11 inches.

Among Campra's Latin works, the ,Messe de mort' is perhaps one of the more successful and today it is one of the more frequently performed. It is also the most enigmatic score of his entire output. Despite extensive researches, no evidence of any sort has yet been brought to light to document its origin, purpose, date of composition, first performance or reception. A stylistic analysis indubitably supports the contention that the ,Messe de mort' is a late work, composed perhaps between 1722 and 1729.
The present edition is based on the manuscript from the Bibliotheque Nationale de France (Paris). It it the oldest known source of the work. The very few errors have been corrected.
(Jean-Paul Montagnier) Vokalensemble Stuttgart und den Kammerchor des Kopernikus-Gymnasiums Wasseralfingen. Fur diese beiden ganz unterschiedlichen Chorformationen hat Martin Smolka 2012 auch gezielt seine Partitur angelegt. Biografisch ist das Agnus Dei eine Art kleines Requiem fur seinen kurz zuvor verstorbenen Vater. Das liturgische Agnus Dei rahmt den deutschen Text Eh das Madchen entschlief ... der bei Auffuhrungen in anderen Landern durch eine Ubersetzung ersetzt werden soll.

Der SWR-Redakteur Hans-Peter Jahn schreibt dazu im Programmheft: Die fur Smolka typischen minimalistischen Taktzellen schaffen eine archaische Sinnlichkeit. Eine einfache und zugleich streng gebaute Vokalmusik mit Tiefenwirkung.

Nac h der Urauffuhrung war die Esslinger Zeitung hellauf begeistert: Smolka ist ein Meister der Stimmbehandlung und der chorischen Klanggestaltung. Im Zentrum des Stucks gerat die Musik zum Stillstand: im leisen gleichmassigen Summen uber dem plotzlich fortissimo ein tschechisches Kinderlied erklingt eines das der Vater seinen Kindern haufig vorgesungen hat. Das alles war sehr beruhrend. Und eigentlich noch mehr als das. My father PhDr. Jaroslav Smolka (1933-2011) was a leading Czech musicologist author of books Czech Cantata and Oratorium Fuga in Czech Music Smetana's Orchestra Music Smetana's Vocal Music monography of Jan Dismas Zelenka and many others. He was a legendary teacher of Music History at Prague Music Academy critic recording producer composer; for almost 50 years he was an important and highly respected personality of Prague musical life.
My father devoted a lot of time and energy to musical education and activities of my sister and me using often quite original methods such as teaching of intervals and counterpoint through Bartok's Microcosmos ear training filling all imaginable moments of everyday life or lessons of harmony analysis starting with Overture to Tristan and Musorgsky's Catacombs. The Martinu song Wondering Maiden was his solo number in our home vocal productions which he used to sing with amazing devotion while his huge voice was audible in several neighboring streets.
My Agnus Dei is closely bound to all this history e.g. by using canon and preferring beauty of dissonant seconds like Bartok or quoting Martinu and his refined neoclassical harmony. Father would be probably a bit critical about the minimalistic monotony of the main body of the piece. Nevertheless firstly he would improvise a short lecture of history of Agnus Dei in Requiem in Czech Music naming by heart many dates and all examples of changes of order of the traditional text by composers. Examples would be sung probably.
(Martin Smolka).