Gloria

An annual music festival and competition, the Gloria is truly a week-long celebration. It culminates in a High Mass, held in the Grand Concert Hall on the Day of Harmony.

Music

Competition

The music of the High Mass is traditionally composed by the same person who leads it. In recent years, this person is the winner of a competition which takes place in the weeks before the Holy Day. The competition, which is the most prestigious event for singer/composers in Crescent, is rigorous, taxing, and long, and tests both their composition, their vocal ability, and their ability to lead a choir and lay audience through the hour-plus long mass.

Format

Structured much like a full Oratorio, Gloria High Masses usually contain:

• An overture, for instruments alone.
• Various arias, sung by the mass leader or other featured soloists.
• Choruses, often monumental and meant to convey a sense of glory. Traditionally sung by the Luminaux Symphonic Choir.
  • The arias and choral movements typically alternate, with two of one and three of the other, depending on compositional needs and artistic demands.
• Final aria, sung a capella by the mass leader.
• Cantata, featuring both audience and choral movements, as well as the mass leader. The culmination of this cantata is traditionally when the miracle is performed.

Miracles

By tradition, the lead singer is allowed to use the divine power generated by the ritual to perform a miracle. Past miracles have included resurrections, weather intercessions, and mass healings of the sick or infirm.

Notable Miracles

• Valanthe Amakiir's destruction of the defenses of the Jade Tower
• The resurrection of Phantos RustyWing
• The return of the Holy Temple at Mt. Daneasus