Search - Marty Haugen :: Mass of Creation

IC B. (icberry)
Reviewed on 1/25/2017...

Haugen's 1984 "Mass of Creation" is suite of songs that flow one to another to create an entire full-length work -- a Mass. Its structure is built upon a Mass, but its sound, feel and expression has much more in common with small-ensemble acoustic music than with the classical tradition. This music is easy on the ears, the way classic folk rock is, but with very much more about it of "folk" than "rock".

The segments are sung in English, and the main voice is that of "the Presider" (Michael Joncus), who has the kind of sweet, rich, sure voice that would not be out of place on a secular singer-songwriter album. Other voices in the small choral ensemble are just as pleasing: some pieces feature exquisite small-ensemble harmony. Acoustic guitar is the instrumental star here, but Oboe, Recorder, Flute, Cello, Handbells, Frame Drums and other instruments contribute to a rich and varied acoustic sound.

As a Mass, the text of the song segments are celebratory and set very solidly in the Christian tradition. "Mass of Creation" is a lovely full-length composition, very competently performed. This recording was "remastered" in 1986, and includes several tracks not present on the first pressing. Entirely enjoyable as acoustic music with a lovely, heartfelt and hopeful feeling to it.