Set for baritone soloists, children's choir, adult choir, and orchestra or chamber ensemble, this text is that of a standard Latin Missa brevis, to which several relevant English poetic texts have been added. The first and last of these are taken from Bishop Thomas Ken's renowned morning and evening hymns for the scholars of Winchester College.

for soprano and baritone soloists, children's choir, adult choir, and orchestra or chamber ensembleThe text is that of a standard Latin Missa brevis, to which several relevant English poetic texts have been added. The first and last of these are taken from Bishop Thomas Ken's renowned morning and evening hymns for the scholars of Winchester College. They give the whole work the framework of a complete day, from waking to sleeping, within which other texts and moods appear like events in that day or landmarks in a life.Vocal scores are available on sale or on hire. Instrumental material is available on hire.

At first glance, John Rutter's large-scale concert work, Mass of the Children, prompts comparisons with Britten: paired children's and adult choirs, interleaved liturgical and non-liturgical texts (War Requiem) and the appearance of Tallis' canon in the final movement (Noye's Fludde) . . . However, it would be entirely wrong to suggest that this work is a slavish imitation of Britten. Rutter's great gift is to be able to synthesise a wide range of influences into a style that is unmistakably his own. Those who appreciate his particular flair for melody, his liking for asymmetric rhythmic patterns, will not be disappointed with Mass of the Children.