Kyrie Eleison from Jazz Missa Brevis

Other Info: Written for Portsmouth Cathedral with funds from The Groves Legacy.

Kyrie Eleison is the first movement from Will's major work Jazz Missa Brevis. This music works equally well in liturgy or in concert and can be performed with only piano, a jazz trio or a full jazz ensemble.

Will Todd’s Jazz Missa Brevis gives new life to the sung Latin Mass texts in an accessible, short setting which embraces a variety of jazz styles, from the swinging jazz waltz Kyrie to the up-beat Latin-groove Gloria. The smooth jazz ballad Sanctus, 7/8 Benedictus and soulful Agnus Dei complete this inspiring Mass setting. Underpinned by Todd’s characteristic jazz harmonies and melodic craftsmanship, it is suitable for performance both liturgically and as part of a concert by mixed choirs of all abilities. The work can be accompanied by piano alone (as written or extemporised), jazz trio (piano, bass and drums) or jazz ensemble (alto saxophone, 2 trumpets and jazz trio – parts available separately).