Palestrina: Missa "Pater noster"
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- Composer: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594)
- Instrumentation: SATB Choir
- Work: Missa "Pater noster"
- ISMN:
- Size: 7.5 x 10.6 inches
- Pages: 28
- Urtext / Critical Edition
Description
Palestrina's Missa "Paternoster" is one of the masses by this composer that were published neither during his lifetime nor after his death. The work has come down to us in one single manuscript source from the collections of the Cappella Sistina in Rome, a copy transcribed by D. Brancadore in 1618.
The mass is written on motifs from the ancient plainchant Pater noster melody from the mass liturgy, which underlays the movements in an admirable multiplicity of melodic forms. New counterpoints are repeatedly intertwined with the themes of the title melody over the course of the mass. Certain idiosyncrasies in the voice-leading and the austere sonorities that recall the late Netherlandish tradition give rise to the hypothesis that this is a relatively early work of Palestrina.
Several decades ago, the Missa "Paternoster" was published by Breitkopf & Härtel in a performance edition prepared by Hermann Bäuerle. The present edition is based on the copy of the work printed in the Choirbook 68 (Cappella Sistina) of the Biblioteca Vaticana in Rome. The poor condition of the source made it necessary to compare it with Haberl's Complete Edition as weil, after which two errors have to be corrected. Our edition cannot pretend to offer a definitive reading of the accidentals, since they are difficult to distinguish in the original. The work was transposed, as this seemed more appropriate to present-day choral practice.
Finally, the note values were reduced by a half and the closing notes reproduced uniforrnly as longae. Palestrina's Missa "Pater noster" occupies a distinguished position next to its better known, four-part fellow works. lt deserves this rank thanks to its dignified and broadly sweeping themes, the archaic loftiness of its sound, and the wealth of motivic work contained within it. We sincerely hope that this new edition will stimulate choirs to turn their attention once again to this rarely sung mass by the great Roman master.
Rudolf Ewerhart,January 1962, Münster (Westf.)
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Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
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Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
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Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
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Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
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Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
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In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
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Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Palestrina: Missa "Pater noster"
