Dear ACLumsden,

Thanks for your interest and constructive criticism. Perhaps your quarrel is more with the composer than with our interpretation, as the entire Mass is somewhat sprightly, but you make a very good point regarding the tempo. I can't remember whether or not the subsequent performance was more moderate, but what a wonderful a capella Mass!

We are beginning to work on another Hassler Mass, the "Dixit Maria" as well as a Mass by William Byrd, so any further interest is welcome.

I want to stress that we are striving for liturgical beauty and are not merely concertizing, and so your remarks are a welcome reminder (which our choir needs no less than any other) that what we do is for the greater glory of God.

Thanks and best regards,
Jim G.

The Agnus Dei comes from the "Missa Secunda" by Hans Leo Hassler (1564-1612), which the choir has been preparing for the first High Mass celebrated by our newly-ordained priest, Canon Apple, on July 26 (today!). We performed the entire Mass (excluding the Credo) and it was very well received. As a member of the choir, I'd like to thank gooddocpeter for uploading the video from July 5--I'm surprised and pleased by the audio quality. Thanks again!