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Jiří Laburda: Missa Clara - the Representative of Contemporary Czech Mass

Publication at Faculty of Education |
2014

Abstract

Contemporary liturgical music is a genre which has been given an official attention of cultural community only after the year 1989. Until this time, it has not been systematically analyzed.

The way to change this situation is using methods of comprehensive analysis and analytical interpretation. In this case, it is especially important to analyze the style and musical means as a prerequisite for successful musical interpretation and understanding of the work.

The presented genre is a specific genre in this respect. Its music is so subordinated to the word that it comes into conflict with the principles of natural gradation of the musical cycle.

Also the way of musical expression is unique. That means respect to traditions of liturgical music according to the liturgical space and to the Second Vatican Council conclusions.

Composer of European importance composing in these terms is Jiří Laburda. The analyzed work for children's choir and organ is interpretatively attractive thanks to its wealth of tuneful melodies and represents the above mentioned framework well.

Instrument takes an important role as accompaniment but also as equal partner of vocal lines. The analyzed work shows rich inspiration by traditional liturgical singing - sequential gradation shifts, declamation lines with melodic variations in the conclusions phrases, church modality.

Although the conformity between the nature of the text and music is typical, in some parts, music and the text are in a conflict. This kind of work proves objectification of communication, the preservation of its timeless validity without an extraordinary emotional commitment.

The article analytically interprets these features and serves as an image of contemporary liturgical works, which represents not only the production of the composer himself, but also the essential features of the genre in general.