Ortwin Benninghoff
Missa brevis
for mezzo-soprano, four-part mixed choir, celesta, timpani, percussion, and strings (2025)
NEW
Ortwin Benninghoff
Missa brevis
for mezzo-soprano, four-part mixed choir, celesta, timpani, percussion, and strings (2025)
- Instrumentation High Voice, Mixed Choir (SATB), Celesta, Timpani, Percussion and Strings
- Composer Ortwin Benninghoff
- Edition Set of Parts - Celesta, Timpani, Percussion and Strings
- Publisher Musikverlag Christoph Dohr
- Order no. DOHR31036
ships within 2-5 working days
incl. tax,
excl. shipping costs
Not available in all countries. Learn more
Description:
The "Missa brevis" was composed in 2025. It has turned out to be a "tonal" piece, but not a stylistic imitation. It is—I hope—free of all "-isms." It is not modern, not old-fashioned, and not anti-modern either; it is certainly not postmodern. It follows no artistic—nor any religious—or political theory. The music does not seek to surprise the listeners; it does not seek to astound them; it does not seek to create an "aha" moment. The "Missa brevis" does not seek to agitate, surprise, or preach. It simply seeks to be heard. Given the tense times during the year the Mass was composed, I have inserted the (timelessly relevant) phrase "Nulla selo bello, pacem poscimus omnes!" ("No harm comes from war; we all ask for peace.") This half-line from Virgil’s "Aeneid" was frequently used in Mass settings during the 16th and 17th centuries (especially in the Agnus Dei of Requiem Masses). I have tried to keep the level of difficulty for the choir as low as possible so that even amateur choirs can perform it. However, professional standards are required of the string section. Given the size of the string section, the voice divisions must be observed; the upper limit is determined by the size of the choir. (Ortwin Benninghoff)
Order of movements
- Kyrie (metamorphoses on motifs by Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel)
- Gloria
- Sanctus
- Benedictus
- Agnus Dei (based on motifs from an old, anonymous canon)
Orchestral Instrumentation
- 3 timpani (23'', 26'', 29'')
- Percussion (two players): - Castanets
- Suspended cymbal
- Snare drum
- Bass drum
- Celesta (concert instrument with five and a half octaves)
- Strings (divided into 2–4 parts)
Order of movements
- Kyrie (metamorphoses on motifs by Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel)
- Gloria
- Sanctus
- Benedictus
- Agnus Dei (based on motifs from an old, anonymous canon)
Orchestral Instrumentation
- 3 timpani (23'', 26'', 29'')
- Percussion (two players): - Castanets
- Suspended cymbal
- Snare drum
- Bass drum
- Celesta (concert instrument with five and a half octaves)
- Strings (divided into 2–4 parts)