Missa modernis

"Missa modernis" is a new, "modern" take on the Latin mass. I took my favorite sections of the Latin text along with the traditional sections and arranged it for SATB choir. My goal was to arrange the text differently compared to what is typical. One of the sections includes improvisations for piano or a jazz rhythm section alongside the choir, and there is plenty of uncomfortable dissonance throughout the entire work. The dissonance and markings are intentional--I believe it represents a lot of complicated emotions I've had toward the Catholic church as a whole. My husband is a practicing Catholic. I feel like I'm on the outside looking in, possibly wanting in but shying away. In short, I've gone back and forth about joining the church despite some horrible experiences in a Catholic school growing up. Nonetheless, I love the Latin text and wanted to also evoke joy and beauty in the midst of the chaos. What is "modern" in music these days, anyway? You could also say this piece is my best attempt to answer that question, or get others to think about that question. Lots of different musical styles are in there. This music is intended for choirs at an intermediate/advanced level who are looking for new material to challenge themselves. (Case in point: the intentionally chaotic 8-part "Agnus Dei" round. There may be a director crazy/sane/excited enough to take this on.) It doesn't have to be performed as a whole--if a director wants to do only certain selections, that is fine.