Figure 7. Misa

Most Mass settings in the eighteenth century are concerted (that is, they combine voices and instruments). The larger texts of the “Gloria” and “Credo” are usually subdivided into separate, autonomous “movements” or numbers. Generally, the voices are disposed into two choirs of unequal size with Choir One comprised of four soloists (SSAT) and Choir Two consisting of eight singers doubling on four parts (arranged as SATB). The vocalists are accompanied by a small string orchestra, organ, continuo line, pairs of horns and often a pair of winds or clarion trumpets. Very often the “Agnus Dei” is missing; when it is absent, there is abundant evidence indicating that the “Agnus Dei” should be sung to the same music as the previous “Sanctus.”

Fig. 7 Credo, Italian (from title page). Courtesy of the Bancroft Library.