Improvising the Divine: The Sacred Jazz of Brubeck’s mass “To Hope!”
By Gil Harel
Dave Brubeck’s To Hope! A Celebration is a remarkable fusion of sacred music and jazz, composed as a setting of the Roman Catholic Mass that blends classical choral traditions with Brubeck’s unmistakable improvisational flair. Commissioned in 1979 and premiered in 1980, this work showcases Brubeck’s ability to weave complex rhythms, polyrhythms, and jazz idioms into the solemn structure of the Mass, creating a dynamic and spiritually evocative piece. Scored for soloists, chorus, piano, as well as rich sound colors ranging from strings to optional handbells and celeste, the composition is both versatile and profound, suitable for liturgical settings, concert performances, or non-Eucharistic worship like Vespers. Its structure, which includes traditional movements like “Lord Have Mercy (Kyrie),” “Gloria,” as well as less conventional Mass texts such as “Alleluia,” balances reverence with exuberant jazz interludes, reflecting Brubeck’s deep faith and his innovative approach to merging genres.
Among the most striking movements, the “Kyrie” opens with a haunting, prayerful quality, its plaintive vocal lines interwoven with subtle jazz harmonies that lend a modern, introspective depth. The “Gloria” (which appears not early, but late in the work) bursts forth with celebratory energy, featuring vibrant choral writing and syncopated rhythms that echo Brubeck’s love for unconventional time signatures, reminiscent of secular pieces such as those found on the "Time" records of 1959 and beyond. The “Alleluia” stands out as a particularly jazzy moment, with its lively gospel-inflected swing and improvisational breaks that allow soloists and instruments—often saxophone or piano—to shine, creating an infectious, uplifting spirit. These jazzier moments, especially in the “Alleluia” and the responsorial “The Peace of Jerusalem,” showcase Brubeck’s ability to infuse sacred texts with the freedom and spontaneity of jazz, making To Hope! a unique testament to his musical and spiritual vision.
Upcoming Event
Join Professor Gil Harel on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Wilton Library (CT) for an engaging exploration of Dave Brubeck’s groundbreaking To Hope! A Celebration — a setting of the Catholic Mass Ordinary that fuses the rhythmic vitality of jazz with the reverence of liturgical music. Premiering in 1980 at Our Lady of Hope Church in Cincinnati, this work — commissioned to mark the parish’s 25th anniversary — reflects Brubeck’s unique ability to bridge the secular and sacred through his signature improvisational style and complex rhythms. Professor Harel's lecture will delve into the historical, spiritual, and musical dimensions of To Hope!, while situating it within the rich tradition of Mass settings by composers from Guillaume de Machaut to Ludwig van Beethoven and Leonard Bernstein. We will begin by examining the context of the work, rooted in the post-Vatican II era, which encouraged contemporary expressions in Catholic liturgy.
Brubeck, a jazz legend known for iconic albums such as Time Out, brought his innovative spirit to this sacred commission, influenced by his personal 'conversion' to Catholicism later in life. This spiritual journey infuses the work with authenticity and optimism, as reflected in its title, drawn from the theme of hope in Isaiah’s “The Desert and the Parched Land.”
The lecture will also explore Brubeck’s collaboration with his wife, Iola (text selection), as well as the involvement of jazz collaborators including drummer Randy Jones and son Chris Brubeck on bass. Musically, To Hope! stands out for its bold use of Brubeck’s hallmark odd meters (e.g., 5/4, 7/4) and polyrhythms, alongside lush jazz harmonies that animate traditional Mass movements such as the Kyrie and Gloria. Through audio excerpts from the 1996 Telarc recording, we’ll analyze how Brubeck balances the spontaneity of jazz with the structure of liturgical music, creating a vibrant, celebratory soundscape. The lecture will highlight key movements, such as the jubilant Gloria, to showcase his rhythmic ingenuity and emotional depth. As we conclude this five-part series on mass settings, we will contextualize To Hope! by comparing it to historic Mass settings. From Machaut’s Messe de Nostre Dame, the first complete polyphonic Mass, to Beethoven’s monumental Missa Solemnis, with its dramatic intensity, and Bernstein’s eclectic Mass, which also blends popular idioms, we’ll trace how composers have reimagined the Mass across centuries. Brubeck’s work emerges as a modern successor, uniquely blending jazz’s freedom with sacred tradition. Ideal for music enthusiasts, students, and those interested in the intersection of spirituality and art, this lecture will include interactive elements, such as clapping Brubeck’s distinctive rhythms, and a Q&A to explore how jazz can convey profound spiritual truths. Discover how To Hope! A Celebration not only reflects Brubeck’s legacy but also redefines the possibilities of sacred music in the modern period.
