Original Compositions: Messe en l'honneur des martyrs modernes

Messe en l’honneur des martyrs modernes / Mass in Honor of Modern-Day Martyrs

A Latin mass in honor of those who have suffered martyrdom for Christ in modern times. Scored for SSAATTBB choir and organ, the score is available on request; please contact the composer for more information. (The sound files below are merely the computer playback. Total length: approximately 26 minutes.)

Brief Outline:
Kyrie — On earth, the faithful cry out for the Lord’s mercy as they face persecution and martyrdom. The low D drone (or ison), set under a minor key, signifies their seemingly unending plight, all the while keeping faith in our Lord Christ to deliver them from all adversity.
Gloria — The scene switches to the now-glorified saints wearing their martyrs’ crowns while surrounding the throne of God and proclaiming His glory and their victory over Christ's enemies.
Credo — Back on earth, the faithful continually affirm their unwavering belief in the Holy Trinity and in Christ's church, and also in the ultimate victory over all adversaries.
Sanctus — Heaven and earth join together in praise to God.
Benedictus & Agnus Dei — Both the Church Triumphant and the Church Militant know the peace of God which passes understanding. In the final section (“Dona nobis pacem”) the low D drone reappears, this time set under a major key to symbolize how God can turn even evil into good and trials into peace.

Kyrie (3:30)

Gloria (5:02)

Credo (7:37)

Sanctus (2:50)

Benedictus (2:28)

Agnus Dei (4:14)

Copyright © 2017 by John Craton

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A Latin mass in honor of those who have suffered martyrdom for Christ in modern times. Scored for SSAATTBB choir and organ, the score is available on request; please contact the composer for more information. (The sound files below are merely the computer playback. Total length: approximately 26 minutes.) Brief Outline: Kyrie — On earth, the faithful cry out for the Lord’s mercy as they face persecution and martyrdom. The low D drone (or ison), set under a minor key, signifies their seemingly unending plight, all the while keeping faith in our Lord Christ to deliver them from all adversity. Gloria — The scene switches to the now-glorified saints wearing their martyrs’ crowns while surrounding the throne of God and proclaiming His glory and their victory over Christ's enemies. Credo — Back on earth, the faithful continually affirm their unwavering belief in the Holy Trinity and in Christ's church, and also in the ultimate victory over all adversaries. Sanctus — Heaven and earth join together in praise to God. Benedictus & Agnus Dei — Both the Church Triumphant and the Church Militant know the peace of God which passes understanding. In the final section (“Dona nobis pacem”) the low D drone reappears, this time set under a major key to symbolize how God can turn even evil into good and trials into peace.
	Kyrie (3:30)
	Gloria (5:02)
	Credo (7:37)
	Sanctus (2:50)
	Benedictus (2:28)
	Agnus Dei (4:14)

	Copyright © 2017 by John Craton