Brehm Center

 Jubilate! An Ancient-Future Concert Mass an original composition by Ed Willmington
with original choreography by Marcia McFee

Though the term missa (mass) had roots connected to worship liturgy in the 4th century, the familiar texts associated with the mass had their origins in the early formation of the Christian church. Over time the mass has not only provided structure for worship, but its rich biblical texts have moved beyond the church into the realm of concert music. The mass has been set to music for church and concert purposes in styles from Latin folk to standard choral as well as rock.

Jubilate! An Ancient-Future Concert Mass utilizes many of the common texts of the ancient mass, and interprets them with sounds that are both traditional and modern in a concert format. The texts are sung both in Latin and English, with the Kyrie being set in the commonly used Greek. Musical techniques used in ancient times – such as chant, open 5th intervals, modal and minor scales patterns – are used freely throughout the work. Other traditional elements are also used – choir, soloists, string quartet, oboe and piano. Juxtaposed against the traditional elements is a foundation of an electronically created “techno” track that provides sounds common to the 21st century ear, but not usually associated with works of spiritual content. Drum loops and samples ethnic instruments evoke both a tonal and rhythmic character that would not be possible to create in a live format. As a technique, this emulates sounds more commonly used in movie sound tracks and staged musicals.

The Mass will be followed by a reflection by Nicholas Wolterstorff "The Sound of Faith"