Kyrie Translation
Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison
Kyrie eleison.
Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy Lord, have mercy.
Kyrie is an ancient 5th century liturgical prayer. The text should therefore be sung humbly and unhurried, with sorrow and pleading. The piece begins simply and reflectively, with the option of an opening soprano solo at m. 17. The music grows in intensity and urgency with each new utterance of the prayer, and ends hushed, with hope. In performance, Kyrie may be programmed on its own, or together with Sanctus for added effect.
Nancy Ruth Durance
Cover art by Brian Buhler
With sorrow & pleading
Nancy Ruth Durance
With urgency
Hushed, with hope