Sotilasmessu

From Wind Repertory Project
Einojuhani Rautavaara

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Also known as "Military Mass" or "A Soldier's Mass"


General Info

Year: 1968
Duration: c. 11:00
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Warner/Chappell Music Finland
Cost: Rental


Movements

1. Kyrie: Lord of Battle (2:30)
2. Miserere: Have Mercy Upon Us (2:00)
3. Gloria: On the Fields of Glory (2:00)
4. In hora mortis: In the Moment of Death (4:30)


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III-IV
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Cymbal (suspended)
  • Glockenspiel
  • Military Drum (Snare)
  • Side Drum
  • Tambourine
  • Tam Tam
  • Tom-Tom (2)
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Written for the 50th anniversary of the Finnish Army in 1968, Sotilasmessu (A Soldier’s Mass) is a four-movement work, each movement given a military title corresponding to selected sections of the Roman Catholic Mass. The first movement (Lord of Battles) has an insistent, march-like quality dominated by brass and percussion, while the second movement (Have Mercy Upon Us) is introspective, languid, and demanding in its tessitura and extreme dynamic contrast. The third movement (On the Fields of Glory) begins as a busy, frenetic quasi-scherzo before evaporating into a devious waltz that seems somewhat too playful for a religious ceremony, yet works perfectly as an allegory for the ridiculousness of war. The final movement (At Death’s Door) is solemn, somber, and reflective, its constantly rising and falling musical lines taking us to a mysterious conclusion that is purposefully ambiguous – musically and stylistically.

- Program Note by Nikk Pilato


Commercial Discography


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources