Sanctus from Missa Japonica

Composer：Matteo Magistrali
Words from the Composer

About the Mass

This composition – for chorus and piano – was commissioned by dear friend and maestro Ko Matsushita in 2022; I love this piece because it’s a homage to the wonderful Japan (loved by me) and the friends who live there. Each section contains references to Japanese culture in terms of musical scales, sound clusters, rhythms, lyrics and musical quotation of melodies.

Sanctus

Inspired by the famous version of Faurè’s Requiem, the Holiness of God is described in an ethereal way, with light and delicate sonorities and harmonies. I imagined being face to face with Eternal Father, immersed in a haven of peace. The solemnity of glory and joy (Hosanna) is also filled with great light. Only the “Benedictus” – sung by the alto voice accompanied by the piano – is concrete and speaks on a earthly dimension, close to our human experience.