Berliner Messe (or Berlin Mass) is a mass setting by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. Commissioned for the 90th Katholikentag in Berlin in 1990,Berliner Messe Universal Edition, accessed September 14, 2014 it was originally scored for SATB soloists and organ. It was first performed at St. Hedwig's Cathedral on 24 May 1990, the Feast of the Ascension,Ascension of Jesus 1990 with Paul Hillier conducting the Theatre of Voices. Pärt later (1997) revised the piece for chorus and string orchestra. Pärt uses his tintinnabuli technique throughout, with movements taking many forms within that style—flowing from quietly reverent duets between parts to full chorus proclamations of faith.Jeremy Grimshaw. "Berliner Messe, for SATB chorus or soloists & organ", AllMusic.com, (accessed September 14, 2014) .
Structure The work consists of five movements of the Mass ordinary and three movements intended for the celebration of Pentecost: Kyrie Gloria Erster Alleluiavers (First Alleluia) Zweiter Alleluiavers (Second Alleluia) Veni Sancte Spiritus Credo Sanctus Agnus Dei
The fact that the mass was originally written for Pentecost is evidenced by the presence of the two Alleluias and the Veni Sancte Spiritus.Paul Hillier. "Arvo Pärt", Grove Music Online, ed. L. Macy (accessed November 22, 2006), (subscription access). However, Pärt has also set two Alleluia verses to permit the work to be used at Christmas. All five of these movements are marked "ad lib." in the score.
Recordings Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, dir. Tõnu Kaljuste (choir/string orchestra, 1993) Oregon Repertory Singers, dir. Gilbert Seeley (choir/organ, 1993) Polyphony, dir. Stephen Layton (choir/organ, 1998) Theatre of Voices, dir. Paul Hillier (soloists/organ, 2000) Elora Festival Singers, dir. Noel Edison (choir/string orchestra, 2004) Moscow Virtuosi, dir. Vladimir Spivakov (choir/string orchestra, 2004)
Byrd Ensemble, dir. Markdavin Obenza (choir/organ, 2013)
Choir of Leeds Cathedral, dir. Benjamin Saunders (choir/organ, 2015)
The Kyrie was featured in the film, Avengers: Age of Ultron.
References
External links Berliner Messe in its original Latin text and English translation