Missa Brevis: Brass Ensemble Score & Parts

This brass arrangement transforms a liturgical work into something genuinely singable with ensemble support rather than relying on organ alone. The fact that it was commissioned for a specific parish milestone means Dove wrote it with real congregations and church musicians in mind, not theoretical ideals.

Reverent without being archaic. The brass writing has clarity and warmth rather than weight, creating an intimate liturgical atmosphere that honors both the tradition of the mass and Dove's modern sensibility.

Directors of church choirs and chapel ensembles seeking a contemporary setting of the Latin mass that doesn't demand elaborate orchestration. This works equally well for schools with strong choral and brass programs looking to collaborate on sacred music.

• Balance the brass so the choir remains the primary voice; these parts should reinforce harmonic foundation, not dominate.
• Coordinate with your organist before rehearsal to establish which sections will use brass, organ only, or both together.
• Mark breathing points for the brass players where the choir has longer phrases to maintain ensemble cohesion.
• Use full instrumentation sparingly at structural moments (opening, key modulations, final cadences) to highlight the architecture of the mass.

Fit this into a Eucharistic service, a school or church concert featuring sacred music, or a joint performance where brass and choir musicians can share the rehearsal and performance experience. Its commemorative origins make it especially fitting for anniversary celebrations or dedication events.

• Blending brass sonorities to support vocal tone rather than overshadow it
• Sustaining long harmonic structures while maintaining intonation under dynamic changes
• Coordinating entrances and releases across multiple instrumental and vocal lines
• Reading and responding to liturgical text pacing as a musical guide