For over 1,000 years, the text of the liturgical Mass has been a source of inspiration to composers. As masses are one of the oldest musical forms, they come in many varieties and are frequently performed in concert halls and churches all over the world. Many masses are performed in the original Latin, while others are sung in the vernacular (spoken language) of the audience. Some masses are extremely long, while many others, like this one, are short. Since the traditional mass text is extremely lengthy, Missa Breves often use abbreviated or alternate versions of the words. My Missa Brevis uses a blend of old and new musical techniques, comes in five excerptible short movements, and is intended as a serious work written deliberately for developing singers. Special considerations have been made to ensure vocal lines are melodic and accessible, while the piano serves as an equal partner with the voices, providing texture and support across a variety of meters and modes. Ultimately, it is my hope that this work serves as an introduction to the form for young singers, and will spark a curiosity in them to learn more about some of the composers whose works inspired this one.

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