Beckschaefer, Max: Missa brevis

In his “Missa Brevis in a”, Max Beckschäfer was inspired by Arvo Pärt and Alfred Schnittke. The result is a predominantly homophonic work with traces of Gregorian chant. With its complex harmonies, the work requires an experienced choir of reasonable size.Written for SSATB with occasional further splits for the sopranos, altos and basses, it is a thirteen minute piece using, in Latin, the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus and Agnus Dei and is suitable for either liturgical use or concert performance. “Missa Brevis” is an a cappella composition but a piano part is provided for rehearsal purposes.