The Washington Post praised Roberto Sierra's Missa Latina as "remarkably organic in its expression" and predicted it would bring pleasure to many listeners, noting that the "Sanctus" could almost be a pop song.
Composition History
Roberto Sierra's Missa Latina 'Pro Pace' was co-commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington D.C. and The Choral Arts Society of Washington.
Compositional Technique
The Missa Latina 'Pro Pace' incorporates a large modern orchestra with a percussion section that includes instruments like congas, bongos, and Cuban timbales, which originated in Caribbean folklore.
Composition History
Roberto Sierra initially intended to compose only the Ordinary of the Mass, but due to global turbulence and constant war, he changed course to create a Mass for Peace.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Roberto Sierra, the composer, was motivated by the Mass's powerful texts to use modern resources for evoking deep emotions and drama, particularly pleas for peace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Composer Biography
The concept for Roberto Sierra's Missa Latina 'Pro Pace' originated from his childhood experiences growing up Catholic in Puerto Rico, where he vividly recalls hearing the Mass in Latin.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The title Missa Latina has a dual meaning for Roberto Sierra: it refers to the traditional Latin text and also to the work's 'Latino' character, infused with Caribbean gestures from his Hispanic heritage.
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