Léo Delibes Messe brève

Léo Delibes is known above all as a composer of ballets (Coppélia, Sylvia) and opera (Lakmé). As well as works for the stage, including many operettas and opéras bouffes, he also composed a whole series of songs, duets and choruses, which follow in the composer’s buffo and ballet tradition with their charming and elegant spirit. His only known sacred work, the Messe brève for two high (children’s) voices and organ, also follows in this tradition, imbued with deep feeling and intimacy. It is written without Credo and Benedictus but according to the French tradition, contains a setting of the "O salutaris hostia" which can be sung at the Eucharistic blessing or during Communion. For a performance with mixed choir, an additional arrangement for Coro SATB (Carus 27.027/06) is available.