Singing the Mass

Settings of the Mass for traditional worship within the Anglican communion are typically written for various combinations of congregation, choir, cantor and accompaniment. In the Australian Cathedral context, there is a similar range, with capital city cathedrals typically performing Masses for choir and organ (without congregational participation) to more regional parishes where the setting may be for congregation and accompaniment only. This research investigates various combinations of the above forces, which in turn investigates relationships between choir, congregation and accompaniment. Each of the eight Masses are written for differing combinations of forces, from settings for congregation alone, choir alone, cantor and congregation, through to a setting for choir, congregation and orchestra. The settings are designed to address the Australian Cathedral context of singing a Choral Mass with or without congregational participation. Specifically, they explore possibilities whereby both choir and congregation can have equal status in the setting, providing a ‘half-way house’ between congregational-only or choir-only settings. This in turn addresses the vexed issue of diocesan, festival and weekly occasions where participation of the congregation is desired by a particular parish, but where choral resources are also sufficient to warrant a choir-only setting. Performed between 14 January 2013-03 December 2013, Christ Church Cathedral, Newcastle. Chartreuse Catalogue Number : 318420131211