Kyrie

The familiar plea for mercy, Kyrie eleison, opens this setting by Reginald Libert. The text, sung here in its original Ancient Greek, is a central part of the Christian liturgy, often forming the first movement of a Mass setting. Libert has written for two sopranos and two tenors, a configuration that allows for delicate interplay and rich harmonic textures. The intimacy of the voicing suits the prayerful nature of the text, creating a devotional atmosphere as the voices entreat, "Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy."