Mass in G Minor (Vaughan Williams)

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The Mass in G Minor is a choral work by Ralph Vaughan Williams, written in 1921. It is perhaps notable as the first mass written in a distinctly 'English' manner since the sixteenth century. The composer dedicated the piece to Gustav Holst and the Whitsuntide Singers, but it was first performed by the City of Birmingham Choir on December 6, 1922. Though the first performance was in a concert venue, Vaughan Williams intended the mass to actually be used in a liturgical setting. R.R. Terry directed its first performance at Westminster Cathedral.

The piece is written for unaccompanied double choir and four soloists, and divided into five movements:

1. Kyrie
2. Gloria in excelsis
3. Credo
4. Sanctus Osanna I - Benedictus - Osanna II
5. Agnus Dei

[edit] External links

• British Choirs Programme Notes