Missa de Cinque Terre

Translated literally as the "Mass of the Five Lands," Narverud paints a picture of his interaction with the enchanting string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. The sustained pitch between movements represents the train traveling through the mountains between each of the five villages. This five movement a cappella mass, set to the traditional Latin text, is dramatic in its creative approach and is filled with colorful choral writing for divisi mixed choirs. Each movement is named both with the name of one of the villages and a section of the Mass. This work may be performed as a whole, or movements may be performed independently. Additionally, each movement has suggested placements for the choir: surrounding the audience, antiphonal formation, and standard mixed choir formation.