Released 13th March 2019

for mixed choir (SATB with divisi) with organ or strings & piano
Text: English, Greek & Latin (Rhabanus Maurus, Ordinary of the Mass, Martin Luther)
Duration: c46 minutes
Difficulty: 3/5

The Holy Spirit Mass was commissioned for the National Lutheran Choir, Dr. David Cherwien, Artistic Director, through a gift from Gary Aamodt and Celia Ellingson to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in October 2017. The work was premiered in Washington D. C. in October 2017 and had its European Premiere in Rome, October 2018 at the opening of the International Festival of Sacred Music and Art.

The Holy Spirit Mass interweaves the familiar Mass texts with English translations of the 9th-century Veni Creator Spiritus (‘Come Creator Spirit’) and Martin Luther’s hymn Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord. This major new choral work encourages unity and reconciliation in the world and celebrates hope for its future. Arnesen’s characteristic rich harmonies and memorable melodic lines combine to create an inspirational and uplifting work suitable for concert performance.

This vocal score, which includes accompaniment for organ, can also be used for performing the version of The Holy Spirit Mass with strings & piano accompaniment available on hire from Boosey & Hawkes.

Composer's note
This setting of the mass reflects on the long conflict within the church after the religious upheaval of the 16th century. But it also celebrates what the reformation has given us, as well as the ecumenical development and increasing dialogue between the Christian churches. The work looks forward in hope of a more united future by focusing on what we have in common. In this way, the work is both celebratory and reflective, while The Holy Spirit unites us, and gives comfort, strength, inspiration, and excitement.

Kim André Arnesen
Arnesen is one of the most frequently performed composers from Norway today. He grew up in Trondheim where he was a chorister in the Nidaros Cathedral Boys’ Choir, later being educated at the Music Conservatory in Trondheim. With an interest in baroque music, contemporary classical music, and popular music, Kim could have taken many roads, but choral music became his greatest passion. As a composer, he had his first performance at the age of 18 with the boys’ choir. Since then he has written music that has been performed and recorded by choirs all over the world. In 2015–16, Kim was Composer-in-residence for the Denver-based choral ensemble Kantorei and Artistic Director Joel Rinsema. The residency concluded with the recording of Kim’s second CD album released in early 2018 on Naxos Records. He continues to enjoy a busy international schedule of commissions.