“Gloria” from St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass

($2.50 per singer + $30 accompaniment)

In contrast to more lively settings of the “Gloria” text, this piece creates a melancholy mood with the presence two melodies: Amazing Grace (a British tune entitled “New Britain,” and text written by reformed slaver trader, John Newton) and  “Sometimes I feel like a Motherless Child” (a mournful African-American Spiritual).  Even though Old Testament scriptures commented on the tragedy of slavery, Christianity still inspired both the slaves and slave owners of the New World. The “Gloria” explores this painful paradox of our history by placing a melody of a slave trader next to a melody of a slave. This piece resonates with the Book of Job by exploring the mysteries of innocent suffering.  Latin American cultures were born out of the conflicts and collaborations of Native populations, Europeans and West Africans, therefore, this piece expresses “Glory to God” within the context of their tragic history.

This original arrangement of the St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass(SATB, Steel band-includes 4 steel pan parts & percussion)– premiered 1992.  This 45-minute world music Mass explores the mixing of African, Spanish, and Indigenous cultures in the Caribbean.  Writings by St. Francis of Assisi are woven into the fabric of the traditional Latin Mass and framed by vibrant rhythms (samba, salsa, calypso, and more).  The Kyrie from this Mass has enjoyed an extensive performance history in the US (including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the World Symposium of Choral Musicians in Minneapolis) and around the world.  Anton Armstrong of St. Olaf University, André Thomas of Florida State University, and Francisco Núñez of the Young People’s Chorus of NYC (and MacArthur Award Winner) are among some of the finest conductors to champion this work.  This work is highly adaptable to both concert and liturgical settings. A reduced arrangement is available with one steel drum, piano, percussion. Some movements available in SSA and TTB – contact McClure Productions for more information.