The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace
Karl Jenkins · 2001
67 min · 13 tracks · classical music
A stirring blend of classical orchestration and choral elements, underscoring the urgency for peace in a world marked by conflict.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Armed Man — The opening track sets the powerful tone of the mass, combining martial rhythms with profound choral harmonies that introduce the central theme of conflict and resolution.
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Kyrie — This piece evokes a haunting plea for mercy, showcasing Jenkins’ skillful orchestration and the emotional depth of the choir's performance amidst a backdrop of tension.
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Now the Guns Have Stopped — This track poignantly reflects the aftermath of conflict, combining somber melodies with reflective lyrics that encapsulate the hope for peace following violence.
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Better Is Peace — As the closing piece, it offers a contemplative resolution to the mass, reinforcing the overarching message of harmony over discord through its rich musical textures.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends classical and contemporary styles effectively, creating a compelling narrative around its themes.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate traditional liturgical structures, such as the Kyrie and Agnus Dei, while others introduce contemporary instrumentation.
- The pacing varies significantly; some tracks build in intensity with driving rhythms, while others provide moments of reflection with slower tempos.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- urgent call for reflective action
- cathartic release through choral harmony
- immersive journey through conflict themes
- poignant moments of stillness
- sustained emotional crescendos throughout
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, upbeat tracks
- seek purely instrumental compositions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2001, Karl Jenkins was already an established composer, known for his ability to fuse classical and contemporary elements. 'The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace' came after his successful work on 'Adiemus', marking a creative evolution as he addressed themes of war and peace through a modern liturgical lens.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mike Oldfield· Yann Tiersen· Ludovico Einaudi
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Armed Man: The Armed Man 6:25
- 2 The Armed Man: The Call to Prayers (Adhaan) 2:04
- 3 The Armed Man: Kyrie 8:12
- 4 The Armed Man: Save Me From Bloody Men 1:42
- 5 The Armed Man: Sanctus 7:00
- 6 The Armed Man: Hymn Before Action 2:38
- 7 The Armed Man: Charge! 7:26
- 8 The Armed Man: Angry Flames 4:44
- 9 The Armed Man: Torches 2:58
- 10 The Armed Man: Agnus Dei 3:39
- 11 The Armed Man: Now the Guns Have Stopped 3:25
- 12 The Armed Man: Benedictus 7:36
- 13 The Armed Man: Better Is Peace 9:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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