Mass for Notre-Dame, Paris

It's about three years ago since I received the surprising invitation to write a substantial new work for the choir school of Notre-Dame Cathedral (La Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris); a setting of the entire Mass text, together with the two extra Motets that would complete a full Mass Service.

Rather incredibly, the far-off, mysterious premiere of that new Mass is now "bearing down like an express train" (although I'm sure it won't be that bad) and takes place in the Cathedral next Tuesday, 14th April. Below is an explanatory note I've written for my publisher's website about this "Mass for Notre-Dame".

"The setting is for upper voices (mostly in two parts, occasionally three) and organ. The motets, one in English and one in French, are God be Gracious (Psalm 66[67]) and Éternel est Son Amour! (Psalm 135[136]).

Although all this new music will receive its world premiere in a concert performance in Notre-Dame on April 14th, I entirely envisaged it while composing as music for worship, for use in a church service. As a result the settings are generally contemplative, lyrical and unhurried. The organ music also has a chamber character, gently amplifying the choral sound, with an occasional prominent solo; which is my attempt at a "typically French" manner of choral accompaniment."

PICTURED: plaster cast gargoyle from the charming exhibition about Notre-Dame (pre reopening) at Westminster Abbey in 2024.