The Missa Terra Sancta by Uli Führe was composed in 2020. It still bears the original title “Heligoland Canon Mass” in the subtitle and thus refers to the actual genesis as a commissioned work for the “Helgoländer Singwoche” of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany. The intention was to compose a work that could be performed by the singers living on the island of Heligoland, but also with tourists who are interested in choirs.
The catchy, five-part mass uses the familiar Latin text of the Ordinary. In the individual parts of the mass, the underlying canon is always presented in unison before it is divided into three groups (suitable for women’s and men’s voices) performed as a canon. The choir is supported by an easily playable piano or organ accompaniment. Additionally available instrumental parts (3 winds or strings) can amplify the sound of the mass. This is a rewarding mass for worship and concert use on islands and on the mainland.
The choral score also contains the piano/organ part.