WEDDING MASS originated as a soaring, celebratory bridal processional which forms the basis for the Kyrie, providing a fitting contrast to the Agnus Dei theme, which represents a response to the events of September 11, 2001. The result is music that leaves the celebration of the early movements for a time in order to contemplate crisis, but which eventually returns with joy and gladness in a final catharsis. The thematic connections throughout are deliberate, particularly the parallels drawn between the Eucharist, the breaking of bread, the Lamb of God who is our bread, and the sacrificial love that is the goal of a life shared in Christ.
