Preface (Schott Music C 54093)

Bertold Hummel (1925 - 2002) composed the first version of the Missa brevis in 1959 during his time as cantor of the parish of St Konrad in Freiburg/Breisgau in order to have suitable literature available for services on Sundays when the choir was weak. The composition was initially conceived for choristers, unison choir, congregation and organ (op. 18b). This extended version op. 18c for soprano, alto and organ was composed in 1975 for the girls' choir at Würzburg Cathedral.

The simple and sung vocal parts are complemented by the softly flowing organ accompaniment to create a harmonically attractive sound. The Ordinary movements Kyrie and Agnus Dei are composed in three parts and canonically in accordance with the structure of the text. The ascending lines right at the beginning give the Kyrie a floating character. The Gloria is divided into schola and choir, whereby the melodic motifs of the two groups are repeated. The recitation of the text is in the foreground, so that the composition here is particularly orientated towards text emphasis and linguistic style. The Sanctus and Benedictus movements are based on two thematic ideas: a section with stepwise lines alternates with a passage with triadic motifs.

The good singability of the mass and the composer's feel for the texts of the Ordinary contribute to its great popularity with listeners and performing choirs. With the new edition presented here, a carefully edited and clearly arranged score is now available. For children's and youth choirs, this mass setting is an easily manageable introduction to polyphony.

Judith Schnell, Limburg, September 2010