Missa Brevis (Washington Service)

Don_x0019_ t let the Latin title fool you: this is an English-language Episcopal setting taken from The Book of Common Prayer. Like most Brevis settings, the Credo is not included; there is, however, a Fraction Rite/Communion anthem. Scored for SATB chorus and organ, this piece has many of the musical features you would expect in the high liturgical musical style: imitative counterpoint, a virtuosic organ accompaniment, rhythmic syncopation (especially hemiola), melismatic flourishes, and an advanced harmonic language. Not for use in Catholic liturgies.