Kyrie 'Le Roy'

This setting of the Kyrie text is for three voices in unison, ATB. The composer is anonymous, but the work is attributed with the nickname 'Le Roy'. The text, which translates as 'Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy', is the opening plea of the Ordinary of the Mass. The texture is homophonic, creating a direct and powerful expression of the liturgical text. The voices move together in block chords, giving prominence to the ancient Greek words that form the core of this prayer. It is a straightforward yet effective setting, characteristic of a simple devotional practice.