Joseph Phibbs

Missa Brevis

This work, written over a seven year period, started life in 2009 as an introit for Wells Cathedral (Sanctus II, commissioned by Matthew Owens). The Gloria and Agnus Dei followed in 2009 by way of a commission from a children's choir in Indonesia, evidence of which may be perceived in some of the work's Eastern harmonic overtones. The remaining portions of the Mass (Kyrie and Benedictus) were composed in 2015, and the work was premiered in its complete form by the Girl and Boy Choristers of Wells Cathedral in 2016, again, and fittingly, under the direction of Matthews Owens, from whose suggestion the kernel of the work first came into being.

The tempi indications should be taken as a guide, and may be varied according to ability and performance context. In keeping with the work's gestation over a number of years and for a variety of contexts, individual movements may be performed separately if desired (in this regard, Sanctus I and II are presented as alternatives settings, although Sanctus II may optionally, and will ideally, follow on from Sanctus I, with a short breath between each). This work was composed for both liturgical and concert use.