Ordinary Pieces [A Concert Organ Mass] (1991)

14 pieces for organ solo 40 mins.
Publisher: Vivace Press

Audio

Score (Free Download)

Program Note

An organ mass is a multi-movement organ solo composition — instrumental reflections on the movements of the “Ordinary” of the Roman Catholic Mass that would be sung in a High Mass. Although modeled formally after Baroque organ masses by French masters such as François Couperin, Ordinary Pieces is a secular concert work, less about liturgical reverence than humanistic dramatic responses to ideas and icons of the Christian faith. Composed in 1991, Ordinary Pieces is dedicated to Barbara Harbach who commissioned and premiered the work. There are 14 movements. These notes are personal comments from the composer, along with descriptions provided by Vance Reese, who (as far as I know) had given the only complete performance of this piece since its premiere. (Vance played it on an IU DM recital in the round building’s MA407).