Frank Martin's Mass for double choir | North Cotswold Chamber Choir

Although begun in 1922 and completed in1926, the Swiss composer Frank Martin's Mass for Double Choir was not heard until forty-one years later; it had its premiere in 1961. So why did he choose to suppress this "most transcendent of pieces" for so long? Martin wrote in the 1960s, of his intentions towards the piece: “I did not want it to be performed...I consider it...as being a matter between God and myself. I felt then that an expression of religious feelings should remain secret and removed from public opinion.”

Fortunately for the world he was pursuaded to make it public: and as a choir we are excited to be able to celebrate the genius of this most devout and private of composers, in our home territory of Hook Norton. We hope you can join us.