Gratus

Date of composition: July 2018
Instrumentation: a cappella choir (SSAATTBB)
Duration: ca. 20’
Text: ordinary mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei)

Gratus is a mass for mixed choir a cappella. The word gratus comes from Proto-European “to welcome, to greet, to praise”, or the Latin “gratitude, loved ones”.

The inspiration for this work and title came after doing a series of concerts with Kalliope, a choir from Ghent that I sing in, performing many requiems and masses (Norbert Rosseau, Mozart, Brahms, Alain De Ley, Frank Martin). Singing these types of works, delving into the lives of the composers and the times at which the works were written really makes clear how short our time here can be, often an end too soon… So what else could I be, when I have the opportunity to sing these works with a passionate group and share it with family and friends, if not grateful? Given my penchant for choir music, a mass is something I had always wanted to write, so this seemed like the perfect time. I didn’t want it to be too complex. Memorable melodies, hopeful harmonies, and an overall warmth are elements I wanted to create. A work that expresses the gratitude for getting to be here and experiencing music in all its forms.