Mass in Blue (Full Band Version) (Instrumental Parts)

Other Info: Mass in Blue was commissioned in 2003 by Hertfordshire Chorus and written for Will Todd's wife, soprano Bethany Halliday. Since that time has become firmly established in the choral repertoire.  Mass in Blue is an upbeat jazz setting of the latin mass text for soprano soloist and SATB chorus and has various scoring options.

Performance Info: Mass in Blue can be performed with jazz trio with optional saxophone, or twelve-piece big band or in its orchestral string version with jazz trio.  Mass in Blue is published by Oxford University Press, with full scores and ensemble parts for the Full Band and Orchestral Strings versions available from Tyalgum Press under licence from OUP. The OUP Mass in Blue Vocal Score is compatible with all scorings.

Full Band Version: The Mass in Blue full band version is currently published by Tyalgum Press.

Full band version: 1st Wind - Alto Sax / Soprano Sax

2nd Wind - Tenor Sax / Clarinet / Flute

3rd Wind - Bass Clarinet / Baritone Sax

2 Trumpets

2 Trombones

Bass Trombone

Timpani / percussion (1 player) [3 timpani, tam-tam, susp cym]

This version is designed to be used in conjunction with the OUP Mass in Blue Vocal Score and the OUP Jazz Trio parts which need to be purchased separately.

Piano* (fully notated, jazz knowledge, improvisation expected)

Bass - upright or elec (fully notated, jazz knowledge, improvisation expected)

Drum Kit (fully notated, jazz knowledge, improvisation expected)

Soprano Solo: fully notated, jazz knowledge and style required

SATB choir

Mass in Blue is recorded on the Signum Classics label.

"a remarkable fusion, a telling setting of the words, supported by wonderful rhythms . . . what verve, what rhythm, what accuracy"  Shelagh Godwin/ Surrey Advertiser/ 2011

“Mass in Blue was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening: each movement was set appropriately to its content - gospel and blues for the Kyrie, lots of brass for the Gloria, a haunting ballad for the Agnus Dei, and a return to the upbeat Credo for a grand finale.” Joss O'Kelly/ The Bucks Herald/ 2005

“[Will Todd] has a gift for melody and writes in an approachable style that has its roots firmly in the Anglican tradition. Here, we find him setting the ancient words of the mass to a vibrant jazz accompaniment and blues-style solos, with a panache that carries the listener along in its ever-changing soundscape.”  Neil Crutchley/ Leicester Mercury/ 2008

If you would like to enquire about Will Todd, a Mass in Blue soprano soloist, the Will Todd Trio or the Will Todd Ensemble being part of your Mass in Blue performance or if you are interested hosting a Will Todd workshop or singing day to prepare for your choir's forthcoming performance please contact us.