Missa Dramatica (Missa Brevis No. 2)
F.174
An SATB a cappella mass of striking harmonic depth—vivid progressions illuminate and intensify the Latin text at every turn. The Kyrie and Agnus Dei are each suitable for independent programming.
Listen
Perusal Score
Accepted into PROJECT : ENCORE, a curated collection of choral music (search “Fraley”).
Program Notes
I have been wanting to write this mass for about nine years—just after finishing Missa Historiae. Due to the original mass’s structure, each movement was unique, influenced by a different period in choral music. For me, the last movement, the Agnus Dei, was the most touching—the focus was solely on harmonic progression in a homophonic context, and the harmony combined with the slow pacing was emotionally engaging. So much so, that I thought at the time “I should write another mass in this style”, and thus Missa Dramatica was born from that idea.
The defining characteristic of this mass is the dramatic use of harmony. There are many unexpected turns of harmony, always in the service of supporting the text, telling the story behind the mass, and setting the mood for this particular interpretation of the mass.
Available Movements
The Kyrie and the Agnus Dei are available for performance—individually or as a set. I am seeking a choir to collaborate with on completing the remaining movements—please contact me if you are interested!
Kyrie
The Kyrie was completed in 2017 for Radiance’s (then known as Vox16) call for scores. It has been recorded on the Locally Sourced album and premiered in concert.
Agnus Dei
Related Works
Masses
Missa Historiae (Missa Brevis No. 1) · Missa Cantus (Missa Brevis No. 3)
Other Sacred
Let All Mortal Flesh · Lully Lullay · Hine ma tov · Reborn by Living Water