Mass in g minor



Ralph Vaughn Williams' Mass in g minor took a few years to grow on me. Honestly, I hated it. My first experience with Vaughan Williams' Mass in g minor was three years ago when our choir performed it on our East Coast tour. The choir wasn't quite mature enough to sing such a difficult piece.

It was a cappella, meaning unaccompanied, and we could barely stay in tune! After countless rehearsals and performances, I never wanted to hear the g minor Mass again.

Well, three years later, here I am listening to the g minor mass, loving every minute of it and appreciating the fact I learned it. I'm not sure what prompted me to resurrect the piece, but it happened a while ago while I was contemplating possible Works of the Week.

If you are unfamiliar with Ralph Vaughan Williams and his music, listing to this mass may give you the wrong idea. Ralph Vaughan Williams was a 20th century composer, yet this mass sounds almost baroque to an untrained ear (which is why I think it's special).

Composed 1921, Vaughan Williams' Mass reverted to the 'old school' tradition of a cappella polyphonic style - a breakthrough in modern composition.

I have no doubt you will love this piece as much as I do. The rich, luscious harmonies and velvety smooth melodies will wrap around you like a warm fleece blanket. It comforts me just listening to it, and not many pieces can do that.

Don't forget to drop by this week's classical music fourm entry to share your experiences and/or comments on Ralph Vaughan Williams' Mass in g minor.