Mass of Reflection (BCP 1979, Rite Two)

An attractive and accessible setting of the Rite Two Holy Communion Liturgy from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Intended primarily for use in churches where congregation and choir sing the service together, it could be used by congregation alone, as the melody line does not rise high. Ideally, though, an SATB choir of moderate ability would add the warm harmonies in sections which complement the unison passages.

There are musical settings of the Kyrie (Lord have mercy), Gloria (Glory to God in the highest), Sursum Corda (The Lord be with you), Sanctus & Benedictus (Holy, holy, holy & Blessed is he), four alternative Eucharistic Acclamations (for Eucharistic Prayers A-D), Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), Final Amen and Dismissal. (The sample sound file above includes only the Gloria and Agnus Dei).

The overall style is reflective, as suggested by the title. But the title also refers to the fact that the Gloria opens with a theme familiar to anyone who has used John Merbecke’s traditional setting, and this intonation motif returns elsewhere in the setting, so ‘reflecting’ a work of musical heritage well known to many.

A melody-only edition of the score for use with congregations is also available via Swirly Music.