2007 - A Caribbean Christmas Mass by Glenn McLure

On Sunday, December 9 at 10:30 a.m. the FUMC Chancel Choir presented “A Caribbean Christmas Mass”, by Glenn McClure, a wonderful celebration of the birth of Christ. The mass was written in 2005, and bridges the gap between ethnic and classical music genres, using traditional Caribbean rhythms, a steel drum ensemble, and Latin percussion. The Mass is in twelve movements, and incorporates Christmas hymns such as Silent Night and Joy to the World, as well as several readings from St. Francis of Assisi’s Nativity Psalm.

Glenn McClure wrote of this mass, “It is exciting to see these ideas come to life...This piece, like much of my work, is meant to be an unabashed, high energy celebration. Even though the small churches and the Trappist monastery in my hometown tended toward quiet, solemn liturgical celebrations, I met people from other cultures that celebrate their faith in many different ways. Through a mixture of classical and Caribbean music styles, this work is meant to explore both the solemn mystery and the overflowing joy of the nativity.”