Alexandre Gretchaninoff's Missa Sancti Spiritus, Opus 169: An Analysis of Russian Orthodox Chant Heritage and Nineteenth-Century Harmonic Language

Abstract

This study will demonstrate that Alexandre Gretchaninoff's Missa Sancti Spiritus, Opus 169 represents a combination of the Russian Orthodox chant heritage and nineteenth-century harmonic language. Missa Sancti Spiritus, Opus 169 by Alexandre Gretchaninoff (1864-1956) is a distinctive work in the Russian Orthodox tradition; however, it is a Mass with Latin text. Although it was written by a native Russian Orthodox composer; a remarkable feature in Missa Sancti Spiritus is the inclusion of both old and modern musical traits. In his biography, Gretchaninoff describes himself as having grown up a devout Christian in the Russian Orthodox Church yet having composed creative works for the Western Catholic Church combining old and modern musical styles. In Missa Sancti Spiritus Gretchaninoff uses chant-like melodies with the following Russian chant characteristics: reciting tones, rising and falling conjunct motion, and musical drone accompaniment. This mass also features Romantic harmonic Traits.