'Messa a cinque voci con stromenti di Benigno Zerafa'

Abstract

Much has been written about Benigno Zerafa's life and his musical output. The aim of this dissertation is to reveal Zerafa's compositional stature through the editing of this mass, together with a comparative analysis of the 'Messa a 4. Voci' (ACM Mus. Ms. 246), which precedes this work in the composer's output. This notable composition distinguishes itself in Zerafa' s oeuvre and is preserved at the Musical Archives of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mdina. The critical edition of the 'Messa a Cinque Voci con Stromenti' (1745) is aimed to promote a wider recognition of his works and help preserve the score for posterity since the original source is in a considerable state of deterioration and badly needs urgent restoration.