Kyrie

What it means

The Kyrie is the first part of the Ordinary of the Mass. Its text is Greek and thus the oldest linguistic remnant in the Latin liturgy: “Kyrie eleison — Christe eleison — Kyrie eleison,” that is, Lord, have mercy. The threefold layout with multiple repetitions in each part also shapes the musical form; as a rule three sections result from it, of which the middle one sets itself apart from the first and third.

Musical use

Settings use the threefold structure in different ways: as a plain alternation of choir and soloists, as a large-scale layout with a slow introduction and fugue, or as an arch form in which the third part takes up and continues the first. Because the text is very short, extension arises through repetition and melisma, not through new words — this makes the Kyrie a field for contrapuntal work. In the monophonic tradition there are numerous melodies of differing solemnity, chosen according to the rank of the day. The suppliant character of the text determines the basic attitude: restrained rather than festive.

The Kyrie is the only Greek text of the Latin Mass.

Performance practice

Shape the three sections audibly differently so that the form becomes clear, and plan tempo relationships in advance. Watch the pronunciation of the Greek text and uniform vowel colours; clarify how “Kyrie” and “eleison” are distributed syllabically. In fugal movements, keep the theme entries audible without voices jumping out. Because the movement stands at the beginning of the work, do not sing too massively — the intensification should be reserved for the Gloria. In liturgical use the duration is to be coordinated.

Bear in mind that the text is very short and extension arises through repetition: so that the form does not seem uniform, the three parts must be distinguished — in tempo, scoring, or character. Settle this before rehearsal. Clarify pronunciation and syllable distribution, because with few words they stand out especially.