This large-scale mass setting, Missa Sanctae Mariae Virginis – literally “Mass of Saint Mary the Virgin” – was composed for the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, New York City in 2013. The Kyrie movement was composed in 2016. The title makes reference to the name of the church, but also makes reference to the principal source of inspiration: two ancient plainsong melodies that accompany Marian texts (solemn tone Salve regina and Ave maris Stella). It is sacred for 8-part a cappella SATB choir. with solo sections for additional voices from within the ensemble.

The Mass is composed in a vein that is influenced by the great parody Masses of Renaissance masters Palestrina, Lassus, and others. Nods are also made to the twentieth century, and particularly to the music of Herbert Howells and the Anglican tradition, and also to Jean Langlais, Olivier Messiaen, and similar French musical trends. It features a wide range of moods, scintillating and exotic harmonies, and thrilling rhythmic passages.

The Mass can be performed complete as part of a church service. Likewise, any of the movements will work as independent compositions which makes them suitable for concert performance.

The entire Mass was recorded by the Choir of Saint Paul’s Church, Harvard Square, in 2022 and released on the Sophia Music label. You may listen to the Gloria, Sanctus-Benedictus, and Agnus Dei by clicking one their respective movements titles.

This is a digital download. You will be contacted within 24 hours with the download information. Minimum order is 8 copies. Please order the appropriate number of copies for your ensemble. Please contact us for a perusal score.