Te deum mass

Te deum mass / Richard Proulx. (also called Mass: Te Deum Laudamus)

There are multiple versions of Te Deum Mass in this file [complete scores, and a vocal score (plus a correspondence about the choral score)]. This Mass was ketched in 1996, Salt Lake City; Revised in 1999, Melbourne; completed 2002, Chicago. There is also a copy of an article written by Geoffrey Cox about Richard Proulx and the release of his Te Deum Mass (faxed to Proulx). Note on the music by Proulx and GIA: [TE DEUM MASS is the concluding work in a unique series of settings of the Eucharist by Richard Proulx. The others are Missa Emmanuel (G-3489), Corpus Christi Mass (G-3693), and Paschal Mass (G-5043). Each of these settings is based on a plainsong theme and is intended to be sung by cantor and congregation unaccompanied. Once the refrains have been securely established the choral parts may be added as ‘sonic halos’ around the congregational melodies. In buildings with natural acoustics (not carpeted or otherwise made dead to music!) the assembly will hear itself as a singing ensemble without need of instrumental coaxing or electronic amplification. The simple, free-flowing chant refrains should make this easily possible. Those with the courage to attempt such unaccompanied congregational singing will discover a thrilling liturgical experience. The choral parts to the TE DEUM MASS are somewhat challenging, reflecting the skill of the two cathedral choirs who commissioned this work. These sections will require careful preparation is ensemble tuning, beautiful tone, minimal vibrato, and textual articulation. These four Mass settings have been recorded by The Cathedral Singers conducted by the composer and are available at GIA (Missa Emmanuel, CD-260; Corpus Christi Mass, CD-405; Paschal Mass, CD-467; Te Deum, ???). The versions for cantor and assembly only with simple keyboard accompaniment are available in “Four Chant Masses for Cantor, Assembly, and Organ” (GIA-5537). I am grateful to Dr. Geoffrey Cox and Mr. Kevin Vogt for their valuable ideas and suggestions in the commissioning of this work. This piece was commissioned by St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne, Australia and St. Cecilia’s Cathedral, Omaha, Nebraska.]