Mass in Blue is a brilliant blend of driving jazz grooves and clear, strong, choral writing against which the solo piano and solo soprano voice weave and blend in a delightful aural tapestry. This central work is complemented by beautiful musical settings of religious texts, infused with a highly individual and melodic style, bringing the composer’s lifelong love of traditional choral music into the 21st century with spiritual sensitivity and a contemporary edge.
Scored for: Soprano soloist and SATB (with various instrumental scoring options available)
Level: Moderate
Duration: 40 minutes
Free downloadable SATB learning tracks for Will Todd’s Mass in Blue
The Mass in Blue instrumental backing track has been recorded by the Will Todd Trio and is ideal for rehearsal purposes for choirs preparing for their performance of Will Todd’s Mass in Blue.
Scored for: Soprano soloist, SATB and Jazz trio (sax*)/ (Full band*) /(Strings*)
Level: Moderate
Duration: 40 minutes
Scored for: Soprano soloist, SATB & Jazz trio (sax*)/ (Full band*) /(Strings*)
Level: Medium
Duration: 40 mins
Scored for: Soprano soloist, SATB and Jazz trio (sax*)/ (Full band*) /(Strings*)
Level: Moderate
Duration: 40 minutes
Scored for: Soprano soloist, SATB and Jazz trio (sax*)/ (Full band*) /(Strings*)
Level: Moderate
Duration: 40 minutes
Scored for: Soprano soloist, SATB with Jazz Trio or Full Band or Orchestral String Ensemble
Level: Moderate
Duration: 40 minutes
It’s wonderful to have a new recording of Mass in Blue available, this time in the piano trio version rather than the original full band scoring. Nonsuch Singers and conductor Tom Bullard have done a fine job of giving a new spin on the piece, with sparkling contributions from soloist Joanna Forbes L’Estrange and pianist John Turville. The choral timbres are vibrant and engaging and the energy of Mass in Blue shines through in spades.
