Content:
Introduction – Toccata – Chorale

From the Missa Nurembergensis for choir (SAM or SATB), congregational singing (or Choir II), strings and organ. The Gloria can also be performed with organ accompaniment only. In this case, please select “score version organ accompaniment” and “organ part version organ accompaniment” instead of string parts and organ part.

This festive “Gloria” also involves the congregation in its singing!
While the introduction creates an impressive introduction to the praise, the lively toccata continues the theme of the introduction with the incorporated cantus firmus of the chorale “Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr”, which is taken over by the choir, and leads into the climax of the composition, the verses of the above-mentioned chorale, which is now led by the congregation, while the choir, as a counterpoint so to speak, simultaneously takes up the Gloria theme of the introduction again.
The three-part nature of the “Gloria” allows for variable performance options and can be sung with both a 3-part and a 4-part mixed choir.

Previously, the singing of the Latin texts of the Ordinary Missae with Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus-Benedictus and Agnus Dei was left exclusively to the choir and was spoken by the priest himself. The congregation had the role of listener and spectator. According to the modern understanding of the liturgy, however, the choir, soloists and musicians are just as much a part of the congregation present and are therefore placed on the same level as the congregation in the nave.
Based on this understanding of the liturgy, Alexander Därr composed a mass which, on the one hand, has the musical splendor of choir, orchestra and organ and, on the other, involves the congregation as an equal group with its singing. Classical hymns form the basis of this new composition.

“The choir, organ and strings are highly independent and each tonal element contributes its part to the appealing overall picture of the mass. The use of the chorale “Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr” in the form of a toccata in the Gloria and the addition of triangle and xylophone in the Sanctus are particularly noteworthy. … The advantages of the greater variability with regard to individual editions should not be concealed… . A beautiful and practical work which is to be recommended“. (Kirchenmusik im Bistum Limburg 2/19)

Further sentences:

                       Kyrie                                                       Sanctus                                                   Agnus Dei
                           

For details please click on the cover.

Also arranged for choir, congregational singing and string/organ accompaniment: