SKU: SU.80101419
Missa in incerto tempore (The Davison Mass) (2018) was commissioned by the Harvard Glee Club. It was premiered by the Harvard Glee Club, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Andrew Clark, Director of Choral Activities) and the All Saints' Choir of Men and Boys (Ashmont Boy Choir), Dorchester, Massachusetts; (Andrew Sheranian, Organist and Master of Choristers). The Latin title, meaning Mass in uncertain times, refers to the centuries of comfort, inspiration, and spiritual enrichment that the mass (and the musical settings for its celebration) has provided to many individuals through difficulty and uncertainty. I cannot deny that the times in which this piece was composed are the most nationally and internationally uncertain of my own life to date. That fact had a definite impact on the tone and emotional character of the piece. However, there is a universality as well, since one could readily feel that all times have a sense of uncertainty, especially since we never know exactly what the future holds. The first three movements have somewhat enigmatic endings. The end of the Agnus Dei tries to temper (but not erase) that uncertainty with a degree of optimism and fervor in a passionate plea of Dona nobis pacem. Instrumentation: SATB Chorus, Men's Chorus, and Two Organs (Opt. One Organ) Duration: 20' Composed: 2018 Published by: Zimbel Press.
