James Whitbourn: Introit And Kyrie (Missa Carolae) - Vocal Score: SATB: Vocal

Requiem canticorum is a five-movement work of 12 - 14 minutes’ duration. Its title means 'a Requiem of song' or 'a Requiem of canticles' indicating that it is a commemorative piece which sets texts associated with theRequiem mass rather than being a full Requiem. It is scored for choir soprano saxophone and organ a scoring it shares with the 'Son of God Mass' by the same composer.It can be performed as a concert piece or as afree-standing anthem within the context of a commemorative event or liturgy.‘Requiem canticorum’ can also be performed in conjunction with selected movements from the ‘Son of God Mass’ to make a full concert Requiem. Thekey-structure of the two works allows for a seamless intertwining and in concert should be performed in the sequence indicated below. When performed in this way the sequence can be given the title 'Requiem' or 'Requiem Son of GodMass' in a concert programme.Introit (Requiem canticorum)Pie Jesu (Requiem canticorum)Kyrie (Son of God Mass)Alleluia (Requiem canticorum)De profundis (Requiem canticorum)Sanctus and Benedictus (Son ofGod Mass)Pax Domini (Son of God Mass)Agnus Dei (Son of God Mass)Lux Aeterna (Requiem canticorum)Amen (Son of God Mass)Additionally some of the work can be used within a Requiem liturgy the followingmovements having a liturgical place:Introit (Requiem canticorum) until bar 68Kyrie (Son of God Mass)Alleluia (Requiem canticorum)or De profundis (Requiem canticorum)Sanctus and Benedictus (Son of GodMass)Agnus Dei (Son of God Mass)Lux Aeterna (Requiem canticorum) and Amen (Son of God Mass).'There is real depth and sincerity to Whitbourn's writing lending an atmosphere of solemnity and reassuring calm. The thickhomophonic scoring and complementary modal flourishes from the Sax imbue the piece with an eastern ambience only occasionally brought back to western shores by the limited use of Organ. Low basses are essential but otherwise the

Composed for the Eucharist of Christmas Night 2004 at the Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary Rochester in the year of the 1400th anniversary of the cathedral's foundation.Missa Carolae wascommissioned for Rochester Cathedral and first performed there on 24 December 2004 by the Rochester Cathedral Choirs directed by Roger Sayer.Missa Carolæ was written for the 1400th anniversary of Rochester Cathedral thesecond oldest cathedral in England. Performances there begin with a ceremonial procession that follows the movement of a boy chorister accompanied by pipe and drum from the High Altar to a large crib placed in the Nave gathering the choirs (singing from different parts of the cathedral) and principal clergy in the course of the procession. The work though not literally for dancing is intended to invoke a dance-like spirit which is true to theorigin of the carol as a simple dance form. The choir parts should be very well known so that the singers can sing with the whole of their bodies and not just their voices. It is suitable for liturgical or concert use.