A Cambridge Mass

Classique

Description :

Written in 1899 for the Cambridge Degree of Doctor of Music and prepared by Alan Tongue from the composer's manuscript, A Cambridge Mass is the largest work written by Ralph Vaughan Williams before A Sea Symphony of 1909, and amongst his most ambitious. The opening Credo is set for SATB soloists, double chorus and orchestra on the broadest and most dramatic scale. The Offertorium that follows is for orchestra only, in lyrical sonata form. These two contrasting movements are balanced by a third part: a solemn Sanctus for double Chorus, Brass, Timpani and Organ, and a choral-orchestral Hosanna which returns da capo after a serene Benedictus for soloists, wind and strings, to crown the work with a jubilant fugal conclusion.