D. Geoffrey Bell had his Canadian national debut in 1981, when his “Missa Brevis” was performed Canada-wide on CBC FM radio. The composer writes:
“My “Missa Brevis” was written at age 22 for my Senior Composition recital. In 1981 it was recorded by the St. Mary Magdalene Singers, (conducted by Dr. Robert H. Bell) and broadcast on the “Celebration” program on CBC-FM, produced by John Reeves. That recording resides in the CBC Radio archives.
The 2020 edit updates the text slightly to make it all-inclusive.“
Reviews
“Bell’s Missa Brevis is a highly innovative and experimental work, one that stretches traditional harmonic and melodic content. Constant meter changes create tension and interest in shifting stresses in the syllables of text.
The piece uses contrapuntal, homophonic and solo textures to draw interest to the text in the new ways. And amidst the diversity in the musical content, there is a sense of unity in the work as each movement returns to the key center of E.”
– Joannie Ing, from Doctoral dissertation, York University, Toronto
“… a beautiful concert Mass… I earnestly hope one day I will hear that it has been accepted for publication.”
– Joan Leslie, Publisher, Leslie Music Supply
“… beautiful and extremely well-crafted… Exceptional!”
– Kelly Dobbs Mickus, Associate Editor, GIA Publications
“… an admirer of your work… Your Missa Brevis is wonderful!”
– Ruth Wiwchar, Executive Director, Canadian International Publications
The updated, typeset score is available for purchase directly from the composer using the Contact page. Please order a copy for each choir member, plus one for your conductor and one for your accompanist.
Full score (pdf with license): $2.50 / copy
Printed scores: order through J. W. Pepper
A free score (with some redactions) is available for preview
© 2025 D. Geoffrey Bell
D Geoffrey Bell - Composer of Choral and Instrumental Music 