Missa Tornacum

Félicien Doyen, the President of the Tornacum Royal Choir Circle of Tournai (Belgium) and a close friend of the composer commissioned this Mass. Missa Tornacum was originally composed for mixed choir and organ, gave a memorable performance of thepiece in the Chartres Cathedral in France.Although it does not include the Credo, the work is composed according to the traditional structure of a Mass in five parts : Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Ite missa est. En the first two parts, adialogue is created between the choir and the band. It is followed by the Sanctus cycle ("Sanctus" - "Hosanna" - "Benedictus"), which is remarkable for the contrasts between the tone colorscharacterizing each of its three parts. The fourth part,Agnus Dei, takes on a tone of serene intimacy. A free counterpoint draws this section to a close by fading into an almost imperceptible quietness. Ite missa est begins with a series of imitations, which develop into a majestic and cheerful passagemarking the end of the Mass. Choir parts are available separately.