Tim Roberts
Mass
 click on the links below to hear an Mp3 sample
1. Kyrie               view page 1
2. Gloria              view page 1
3. Credo             view page 1
4. Sanctus          view page 1
5. Agnus Dei      view page 1

Note: The complete scores of each movement of this piece are available as Finale files. Email TimRoberts@phretz.com

A contemporary English/Latin setting for
6-part Choir and Rhythm Section
Choir:
Chor 1: High-High-Low (Baritone)
Chor 2: High-High-Low (Bass)
Note: Female voices may be added/substituted for any of the 4 high voices
Rhythm Section:
piano
bass
guitar (elec./nylon)
drums
perc (congas, shaker, egg)
This is a pocket-sized, groove-based setting of the venerable Ordinary of the Catholic Mass. English and Latin lyrics are used, both interchangeably and simultaneously. Each movement has a unique rhythmic groove in the instrumental accompaniment using a variety of time signatures and feels which give the piece a modern sound while remaining true to the traditional structure and scope.

Although the vocal lines are hook-laden, the melodic requirements of the individual parts are not particularly strenuous. That being said, the rhythmic responsibilities of the singers are very important, as these parts often take on percussive or instrumental aspects.

The Rhythm Section parts are straightforward, and the writing is quite minimal. This allows space for the players to embellish and improvise on their parts (within the boundaries of taste and decorum). Hand percussion is written out only on the Kyrie and Gloria sections, but small "toys" (shaker, egg, etc.) can also be added to the grooves on Credo and Sanctus.
Kyrie
Basically in 5/4, it’s the percussion of the words ("Ky-rie," "Chris-to," etc.) that drive the groove. This movement is in the traditional Kyrie form of A-B-A, but each of the three sections contains both "Kyrie" and "Christe" lyrics. The English and Latin languages are superimposed.

Gloria
This is a rondo form in a Latin/World feel and even, 6/4 meter. The "Gloria" theme is based around minimalist, staggered, loop-like riffs in the background parts. Although the two languages call back and forth in counterpoint, this movement features a Baritone soloist in English.

Credo
This statement of faith is the cornerstone of the Mass and the longest movement in this composition. The movement is a slow ballad in 7/8, but with a number of meter and tempo changes along the way. The line "…born of the Virgin Mary and became man" (during which the congregation traditionally genuflects), here leads to a polyrhythmic section in which the Latin choir continues to chant this line while the English choir goes on with the prayer in 4/4 over a 7/8 funk groove in the rhythm section. This leads to an a cappella section and an Elton John moment for a solo tenor reprising the original "God of God" theme in a new key.

Sanctus
This movement features Steve Reich-inspired vocal fragments ("SANC-tus, HO-ly") making up the groove: another square 6/4 meter but with a jazz waltz feel in the drums. There are lots of parallel voicings over the more military-sounding sections.

Agnus Dei
Mass closes with this soft and proper movement for only four parts, accompanied only by bass and nylon-string guitar. It’s completely in Latin until the last few lines of the prayer.