Just as the rays of the sun greet the day with their “golden light” in the early morning and envelop us with a last touch of warmth, Jean Kleeb succeeds with his mass composition in moving the celebrating congregation and the audience in a concert. The solemn, five-part mass for mixed choir and piano combines modern musical language with elements reminiscent of early music and thus fascinates in its versatility. The quietly meditative Kyrie is followed by a rhythmically solemn Gloria alternating between a 7/8 and 2/4 meter. In the melodic Credo, the alto, tenor and bass lay the foundation for the more playful soprano. The sustained Sanctus surprises with a moving Hosanna section and the quiet Agnus Dei completes this emotionally appealing mass.
This is a rewarding addition to the sacred music repertoire of any choir.