Mass of the Children

This work represents something new in the composer's work as it was conceived for a children's choir alongside an adult mixed choir, two soloists, and orchestra (now band). The children's choir adds a further dimension to the traditional Latin Mass sung by the adult choir, amplifying the meaning and mood. The William Blake poem, The Lamb, featured in this movement, is a poignant message relating to the precious lives of our children. In the setting for band alone, the children's choir part is set for solo trumpet, and the darker beginning (Agnus Dei, miserere nobis) is further enhanced by muted brass and the pulsating heartbeat of the bass drum, felt, but rarely heard.